Multi-Million Pound Cyber Attack on London's Transport Network
Two teenagers appeared in court today, accused of orchestrating a highly sophisticated cyber attack against Transport for London that allegedly cost the organisation £39 million. Thalha Jubair, 19, from Bow in East London, and Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall in the West Midlands, both deny all charges relating to the incident.
The Alleged Attack and Its Consequences
Prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates' Court that between August 31 and September 3 last year, the pair hacked into TfL's systems with the ultimate objective of installing ransomware. The attack, attributed to the online criminal collective known as 'Scattered Spider', caused significant disruption to London's transport network.
The court heard how the hackers prevented live Tube arrival information from appearing on both the TfL Go app and the TfL website. Furthermore, online journey history became unavailable during the breach. Most critically, TfL was unable to process any payments on the Oyster and contactless apps or register Oyster cards to customer accounts, creating chaos for commuters.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
Prosecutor Alistair Richardson described the incident as a 'highly sophisticated attack' against Transport for London. Both defendants appeared in court for the hearing, with bespectacled Jubair wearing a grey suit and striped tie, while Flowers sported a black t-shirt with a grey hoodie tied around his shoulders.
Judge Christopher Hehir informed the teenagers that their trial is scheduled for 8 June next year, and they will remain in custody until that date. An additional hearing will take place on February 13, which both accused are required to attend via video link.
Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the National Crime Agency's National Cyber Crime Unit, emphasised the severity of the attack, stating it targeted 'part of the UK's critical national infrastructure'. He confirmed that the NCA, alongside UK policing and international partners including the FBI, remains committed to identifying offenders within these networks and ensuring they face justice.
