Cyber Attack Hits UK Rail Stations: Anti-Muslim Messages Appear on Wi-Fi Networks
UK Railway Stations Hit by Cyber Incident Displaying Anti-Muslim Messages
A “cyber-security incident” involving public Wi-Fi networks at major railway stations across the United Kingdom has prompted an investigation by transport officials and police. Passengers at 19 stations, including Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and several London terminuses, encountered anti-Muslim messages when attempting to log onto the Wi-Fi service.
The Wi-Fi landing page displayed the message “We love you, Europe,” followed by an anti-Islam statement listing terror attacks. In response, Network Rail, which manages the affected stations, promptly switched off the Wi-Fi service and assured passengers that no personal data had been compromised.
British Transport Police have investigated the incident, and the Wi-Fi service remains suspended pending further inquiries. Telent, the company responsible for providing the Wi-Fi service, reported an “unauthorized change” to the landing page from a “legitimate administrator account,” which is now subject to a criminal investigation.
This incident follows a more severe cyberattack on Transport for London (TFL) in early September. That attack exposed customer names, contact details, and bank account information. The National Crime Agency is currently investigating the TFL breach, and a 17-year-old suspect was arrested, questioned, and subsequently released on bail without charges.
The TFL cyberattack continues to impact the organization’s ability to provide online services, including refunds and real-time transit information. As cybersecurity threats to transportation infrastructure become more prevalent, authorities are working to enhance security measures and protect passenger data.
