Supporting NIS compliance for organisations delivering essential transport services.
Network & Information Systems (NIS)
Why NIS Matters
As rail and transport organisations adopt increasingly automated, connected and data-driven technologies, their most safety-critical systems are exposed to new and evolving cyber risks. Modern signalling, control, communications and operational systems now depend heavily on networked information systems to deliver safe and reliable services.
​
Cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure are no longer theoretical. Disruption to information systems can lead to operational failure, financial loss, reputational damage and, most importantly, safety risks for passengers and staff. NIS exists to address these risks by ensuring that organisations delivering essential services manage cyber security in a proportionate, structured and accountable way.
The Cyber Threat to Operational Systems
While much cyber security focus has traditionally been placed on corporate IT systems, the most serious risks in transport arise when attacks affect operational systems in use. Once a network is breached, attackers may attempt to interfere with physical processes, disrupt services or manipulate safety-critical functions.
​
Legacy components and protocols across the transport sector were often not designed with cyber security in mind. Combined with highly distributed and mobile assets, this makes transport environments particularly challenging to protect and reinforces the need for a structured, standards-based approach to security and resilience.
NIS and Essential Services
The Network and Information Systems Regulations were introduced in the UK to improve the cyber security and resilience of organisations delivering essential services. These regulations apply to sectors including transport, energy, health, water and digital infrastructure.
​
Organisations identified as Operators of Essential Services are required to take appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage the security of their network and information systems. This includes preventing and minimising the impact of incidents, managing cyber and resilience risks, and reporting significant incidents that affect service continuity.
IL7’s Approach to NIS
IL7 Security supports transport organisations in understanding their obligations under NIS and implementing practical, proportionate measures that reflect real operational environments.
Our work aligns regulatory expectations with the realities of complex, safety-critical systems and evolving threat landscapes. We help organisations define what constitutes an essential service, assess risks to supporting network and information systems, and establish governance, controls and monitoring that support compliance while enabling operational effectiveness.
