TfL hit by cyber attack as National Crime Agency and online security experts launch probe into ‘ongoing’ incident

Transport for London has been hit by an cyber security attack and has called in the National Crime Agency to launch a probe.

TfL sent a warning message to all its customers this evening saying it was dealing with an ‘ongoing cyber security incident’. 

It is believed no customer data has been compromised in the attack and transport services across London are currently operating as normal.

However, the extent of the damage remains unknown. 

Experts from the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are currently responding to the incident, TfL has said. 

TfL has urgently contacted online security experts to deal with the ‘ongoing incident’ this evening (file picture)

TfL sent a warning message to all its customers this evening saying it was dealing with an ‘ongoing cyber security incident’ (stock photo)

The warning message to customers, that was sent just before 7pm this evening, read: ‘We are currently dealing with an ongoing cyber security incident. At present there is no evidence that any customer data has been compromised and there has been no impact on TfL services.

‘The security of our systems and customer data is very important to us, and we have taken immediate action to prevent any further access to our systems.

‘We are working closely with the relevant government agencies to respond to the incident.’

Shashi Verma, TfL’s Chief Technology Officer, added: ‘We have introduced a number of measures to our internal systems to deal with an ongoing cyber security incident.

‘The security of our systems and customer data is very important to us and we will continue to assess the situation throughout and after the incident. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during a visit to Highbury and Islington underground station on August 18 (file picture)

‘Although we’ll need to complete our full assessment, at present, there is currently no evidence that any customer data has been compromised. 

‘There is currently no impact to TfL services and we are working closely with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to respond to the incident.’

A National Crime Agency spokesperson said ‘We are aware of a cyber security incident involving Transport for London (TfL), and are working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, and with TFL itself, to respond to it. 

‘The investigation is ongoing, and we are unable to comment further.’ 

A NCSC spokesperson added: ‘We are working with Transport for London, alongside law enforcement partners, to fully understand the impact of an incident.’