TfL Cyber Attack Racks Up Over £30M in Costs

December 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Title: TfL Restores Services After Cyber Attack: Contactless Journey History Available Again

Introduction

Transport for London (TfL) has successfully restored several services disrupted by a recent cyber attack, significantly improving the experience for commuters. The reactivation of the contactless.tfl.gov.uk service allows passengers to access their full journey history once again. This update is crucial for those utilizing pay-as-you-go options with contactless credit or debit cards, or smartphones, enhancing the overall convenience of public transport in London.

Restoration of Key Services

In the wake of the cyber incident, TfL has made notable progress in reinstating essential services:

Contactless Journey History: Passengers can now view their complete travel history, making it easier to track and manage their transport usage.
Zip Photocard Applications: TfL has resumed issuing photocards for Zip cards aimed at children aged five to 17, as well as for 60+ London Oyster and 18+ Student Oyster users. Over 30,000 Zip passes, 40,000 student passes, and 13,000 pensioner passes have already been dispatched since the reopening of applications.

TfL urges parents and guardians to apply for updated Zip photocards promptly. Currently, expired Zip cards for ages 5-10 and 11-15 are being accepted on TfL and surface rail services in London, but this concession will end on New Year’s Eve.

Customer Service Updates

While many services have been restored, TfL cautions customers to expect some delays when contacting their customer service team, particularly regarding refunds for overpayments related to the cyber attack. Shashi Verma, TfL’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed gratitude for the hard work of engineers and customer service staff during this challenging period.

Importance of Cybersecurity for Critical National Infrastructure

The cyber attack on TfL underscores the essential need for robust cybersecurity measures for critical national infrastructure. Spencer Starkey, Executive Vice President at SonicWall EMEA, highlighted the importance of safeguarding such infrastructure to prevent potential disasters. He emphasized that protecting government networks requires ongoing collaboration with the private sector and strict measures to deter future threats.

Conclusion

As TfL continues to recover from the cyber attack, the restoration of services like contactless journey history marks a significant step forward for London commuters. For more information on security measures for critical national infrastructure, you can read about the recent security guidance launched by CISA in response to similar cyber threats.

Call to Action

Have you experienced any changes since the restoration of services? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore related articles to stay informed about the latest updates in public transport and cybersecurity.

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