All trains are inherently vulnerable to various security threats.
We tend to not think of trains as being a security worry. Instead, our concerns usually turn towards usually turn towards airplanes and road vehicles. Beyond urban transit systems with high traffic, like a city subway system, most do not even think about a train system’s overall security. The truth is, all trains are inherently vulnerable to various security threats. This has created a demand for reliable transportation security systems. But to properly implement such systems, we have first to understand why and how trains have become such a significant vulnerability. Read on to learn how trains can benefit greatly from transportation security systems!
Freight Trains
It is easy to underestimate the sheer amount of railways around the globe. In the United States alone, there’s over 100,000 miles of rail – and freight trains are usually the veins of a country, connecting all major cities, trade centers, countries, and is an integral part of the infrastructure. Access to information about these trains, along with their schedules, is sometimes available publicly. What is more concerning these days are data breaches, in which terrorists might gain knowledge about which sensitive materials are being shipped to which location. They can then plan an attack all around that information. This is one reason trains need a reliable transportation security system set in place.
Passenger Trains
The same type of things that make passenger trains useful for end-users also make them much more vulnerable. For passenger trains to effectively benefit the public, they have to focus on being safe and reliable. This means constantly having the ability to be filled to capacity and transporting a large number of people at once. It also implies reliability showing up to the proper locations at the right time. This easily accessible information makes passenger trains a legitimate target for attacks too.
How Transportation Security Systems are Effective
While the major vulnerabilities in the use of railways are inherent, measures can be taken to lessen the risks. The use of a transportation security system can be quite useful, but the nature of railway systems means that security systems cannot impede the efficiency of trains in any type of way. This is why proposals to install metal detectors at entry points for passenger trains have been met with a bit of disdain, as such a measure would have a harmful effect on heavy traffic trains. Intelligent optical systems, like an intelligent train undercarriage scanner. It is able to make passenger and freight trains alike more secure without impeding on the functionality of these railways.
Groundbreaking Technologies with Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper Security’s suite of intelligent optical technologies provides security personnel with the tool to detect today’s threats. Our systems help those in the energy, transportation, commercial, and government sectors protect their people and their valuables by detecting threats in time to act. From automatic under vehicle inspection systems, automatic license plate reader systems, to on the move automatic vehicle occupant identifier, we offer full 360-degree vehicle scanning to ensure any threat is found. Throughout 36 countries around the globe, Gatekeeper Security’s technology is trusted to help protect critical infrastructure. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates about our technology and company.