Network Rail issues update after 19 stations targeted in cyber attack

Network Rail confirmed that 19 of its stations were affected in a cyber security incident yesterday evening (Wednesday, September 25).

Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central and 10 stations in London were all affected by the attack saw passengers trying to log on seeing messages about terror attacks in Europe.

The wifi webpage after the hack said, “We love you, Europe” and contained information about terror attacks.

Network Rail, which manages the stations, suspended wifi services at stations across the country and confirmed that British Transport Police were investigating the incident.

British Transport Police said: “We received reports at around 5.03pm yesterday (September 25) of a cyber attack displaying Islamophobic messaging on some Network Rail wifi services.

“We are working alongside Network Rail to investigate the incident at pace.”

The railway network has since issued an update following the attack.  

Today (Thursday, September 26) a Network Rail spokesperson said: “Last night the public wifi at 19 of Network Rail's managed stations was subjected to a cyber security incident and was quickly taken off-line.

“The incident is subject to a full investigation.

“The wifi is provided by a third party, is self-contained and is a simple 'click & connect' service that doesn’t collect any personal data.

“Once our final security checks have been completed we anticipate the service will be restored by the weekend."

The stations affected are:

1. Birmingham New Street;
2. Bristol Temple Meads;
3. Edinburgh Waverley;
4. Glasgow Central;
5. Guildford;
6. Leeds;
7. Liverpool Lime Street;
8. London Bridge;
9. London Cannon Street;
10. London Charing Cross;
11. London Clapham Junction;
12. London Euston;
13. London King’s Cross;
14. London Liverpool Street;
15. London Paddington;
16. London Victoria;
17. London Waterloo;
18. Manchester Piccadilly;
19. Reading