Wi-Fi networks at 19 major UK railway stations were hacked on Wednesday, causing users to see a message about terror attacks in Europe, according to Network Rail. Stations affected include key hubs such as London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and Edinburgh Waverley, among others.
The British Transport Police confirmed the hack, with a spokesperson saying: “We received reports at around 5.03pm yesterday (25 September) of a cyber-attack displaying Islamophobic messaging on some Network Rail Wi-Fi services. We are working alongside Network Rail to investigate the incident at pace.”
Reports began surfacing on Wednesday as passengers attempting to connect to station Wi-Fi were met with Islamophobic content and references to terrorist incidents in the UK and abroad. “We are currently dealing with a cyber security incident affecting the public Wi-Fi at Network Rail’s managed stations. This service is provided via a third party and has been suspended while an investigation is underway,” said a Network Rail spokesperson.
Among the London stations impacted are Euston, King’s Cross, Victoria, and Waterloo, alongside regional stations such as Glasgow Central, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, and Bristol Temple Meads.
Telent, the third-party provider managing Wi-Fi for Network Rail, is collaborating in the investigation. “We are aware of the cyber security incident affecting the public Wi-Fi at Network Rail’s managed stations and are investigating with Network Rail and other stakeholders,” said a Telent spokesperson.
Wi-Fi services at all affected stations have been suspended as the investigation continues. Authorities also revealed that the hack may have exposed sensitive data, including the bank account information of around 5,000 passengers linked to Oyster card transactions and refund data. The breach is being taken seriously, with law enforcement emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing inquiry.
A 17-year-old male was arrested earlier this month under suspicion of breaching the Computer Misuse Act in connection with the hack. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation.
Network Rail stated that it believes other organizations outside of rail stations may also have been affected by the incident.
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