Cyber attack hits 19 UK railway stations

September 26, 2024
Cyber attack

19 train stations in the UK have experienced disruptions due to cyberattacks.

Network Rail verified that there was an issue with the wi-fi systems at several stations, including Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, and London Euston.

On Wednesday, some people claimed that when they connected to the free wifi at the stations, a screen concerning terror threats throughout Europe appeared.

A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed the wi-fi was still down and said: "We are currently dealing with a cyber security incident affecting the public wi-fi at Network Rail’s managed stations."

The affected stations include:

In London, London Cannon Street, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Clapham Junction, Euston, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo

  • In the South East, Reading and Guildford
  • In the North West, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street
  • In the West Midlands, Birmingham New Street
  • In West Yorkshire, Leeds
  • In the West and South West, Bristol Temple Meads
  • In the South East, Reading and Guildford
  • In Scotland, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central

British Transport Police was investigating, Network Rail said.

The rail provider said it believed other organisations, not just rail stations, had also been impacted.

"This service is provided via a third party and has been suspended while an investigation is under way," the spokesperson said.

Telent, the third party which provides the wi-fi for Network Rail, confirmed it was aware of the "security incident" and was "investigating with Network Rail and other stakeholders".

A spokesperson said: "We have been informed there is an ongoing investigation by the British Transport Police into this incident, so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."