French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom has finalised a deal to invest $7m in Cylus in exchange for a minority stake acquisition in the Israel-based cybersecurity specialist.
The deal comprises a strategic cooperation agreement to build a commercial partnership.
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The partnership will allow the firms to combine their respective strengths and provide efficient cybersecurity solutions for the rail industry.
The investment will also give Alstom one seat on the board of Cylus.
Cylus has developed a portfolio of solutions and services, together named as CylusOne, to safeguard railway assets from cyber threats.
The firms will jointly integrate cybersecurity technology into railway procedures, modules, and solutions.
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By GlobalDataThe technology will be first executed in the Tel Aviv metropolitan light rail system, which has a capacity of 200,000 passengers a day.
Designed to be integrated into both mainline and urban networks, CylusOne is also compatible with a communication-based train control (CBTC) and the European Train Control System (ETCS).
It can detect cyber threats over signalling and control networks, communications networks, and trackside and onboard systems, enabling a timely and effective response.
Cylus said that the partnership will boost the cybersecurity capabilities of existing rail systems whilst bolstering the ongoing development of cybersecurity solutions designed for mobility.
Alstom cybersecurity vice-president Eddy Thésée said: “Alstom is reinforcing its position in cybersecurity by making sure that it is at the core of all our systems. The expansion of connectivity, the Internet of Things and Big Data require new measures to protect transport systems. In response to this challenge, we are sure that the partnership with Cylus will create new cybersecurity standards for the mobility sector.”
Cylus CEO Amir Levintal said: “The rail industry increasingly requires cybersecurity solutions for its particular needs. As a pure rail-cybersecurity company, we are proud to cooperate with Alstom, the world leader for innovative rail solutions, to help rail companies protect themselves against growing cyber threats. We are convinced that the partnership will drive the rail industry towards a cyber-safe future.”
In November, Alstom secured a €160m contract to deliver six hydrogen fuel cell trains to Italy.
The trains will be based on Alstom’s Coradia Stream regional train platform and equipped with the same fuel cell propulsion technology featured in the Coradia iLint vehicles.
In 2017, Alstom secured a contract to supply the signalling and train control systems for the Tel Aviv Red Line tramway.
