Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it is managing a cyber security incident, assuring customers that there is currently no evidence suggesting their data is at risk. The organization is collaborating with government cyber security agencies in response to the situation.
On September 2, TfL reported an “ongoing cyber security incident.” Shashi Verma, TfL’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “We have implemented various measures within our internal systems to address this ongoing cyber security issue. The protection of our systems and customer information is a top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation throughout the incident and afterward.”
He further explained, “While we need to conduct a thorough assessment, there is, at this time, no indication that any customer data has been compromised. Additionally, TfL services remain unaffected, and we are working in close coordination with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to manage the incident.”
As a critical component of the UK’s national infrastructure, London’s transport network is essential to the country’s functionality, and any potential attack could lead to significant economic repercussions. Moreover, millions of individuals hold accounts with TfL, which store their personal information.
Spencer Starkey, Executive Vice President for EMEA at SonicWall, a security software company, emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical national infrastructure (CNI). He stated, “CNI encompasses the systems, assets, and networks vital for a nation’s societal operations. Given their significance, protecting CNI is crucial to maintaining order and averting potential disasters that could arise from cyber threats.”
Starkey noted that ensuring the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure demands a comprehensive and ongoing approach. He cautioned that the consequences of a cyber attack on CNI can be catastrophic, highlighting the need for substantial investment of time and resources to secure these assets.
“In an environment filled with geopolitical tensions, we observe an increasing migration of cyber threats. Governments face constant cyber risks which threaten both national security and the safety of sensitive information,” Starkey said. He added that safeguarding government networks and fostering collaboration with the private sector, alongside implementing strict penalties for offenders, is essential to deter such cyber attackers.