Cyber Attack Disrupts British Station Wi-Fi Spreads Islamophobic Messages

Liverpool Street Station / UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION / Akdemir

JAKARTA - Passengers at a number of the busiest train stations in the UK were exposed to Islamophobic messages due to cybersecurity violations that disrupted public Wi-Fi services.

The messages, which appeared on the public Wi-Fi login page late Wednesday, contain Islamophobic content and refer to terror attacks in the UK, sparking concern among passengers trying to access the service.

Network Rail has quickly suspended Wi-Fi access at 19 stations affected nationwide, including several main stations Manchester Piccadily, Birmingham New Street, as well as 11 major stations throughout London, except for St. Pancras.

According to Network Rail, the public Wi-Fi service, provided by third-party contractors, operates independently and does not collect personal data.

A spokesman said the breach was being handled immediately and is currently under investigation.

"Last night, public Wi-Fi at 19 stations managed by Network Rail experienced a cybersecurity incident and was immediately deactivated," said the spokesman as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, September 26.

"After our last security check is complete, we hope the service will be restored before the weekend."

The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that they received a report on the attack on Wednesday afternoon. A spokesman said BTP was working with Network Rail to investigate the breach.