PHOTO PROVIDED CATA recently hosted a PennDOT Cybersecurity Task Force table top exercise for Pennsylvania Transit Authorities.

STATE COLLEGE — The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) proudly hosted one of three Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Cybersecurity Task Force tabletop exercises aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of transit authorities across the state.

The event took place on Aug. 27 at CATA in State College, bringing together multiple representatives from 19 transit agencies and related organizations, as well as experts from EcoLane, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police Cybersecurity Division. This innovative initiative simulated cyberattacks to provide participating organizations with crucial experience in testing and refining their response plans. By taking part in these tabletop exercises, participants were encouraged to identify gaps in their cybersecurity strategies and strengthen their critical response procedures proactively.

The session kicked off with a morning workshop facilitated by the PennDOT Cybersecurity Task Force and JANUS Associates, focusing on the steps necessary to respond efficiently to a theoretical Ecolane service outage caused by a cyber-attack. Participants learned the importance of maintaining an up-to-date Incident Response Plan that caters not only to technical threats but also provides operational guidance across different teams. This proactive approach is vital, as a well-formulated response plan can differentiate between a minor service disruption and a major operational interruption.

“Having an effective Incident Response Plan is crucial for operations,” said Mike Slater, CATA Interim Information Technology Director. “These exercises equip transit authorities and other organizations with the tools they need to respond swiftly and effectively to cyber incidents, thereby ensuring continued service to our communities.”

The afternoon session was dedicated to an intensive workshop where participants learned to design their own tabletop exercises, enabling them to carry valuable knowledge and preparedness strategies back to their agencies. These exercises, akin to fire drills, emphasize the importance of being prepared for emergencies in a systematic way rather than relying on memory in a crisis.

The turnout at CATA showcased the collaborative spirit of Pennsylvania’s transit authorities and their commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures.