Man arrested after ‘Islamophobic cyber attack’ on railway stations’ Wi-Fi systems

A man has been arrested on suspicion of computer misuse offences following a suspected cyber attack on railway stations’ Wi-Fi systems on Wednesday evening.

The British Transport Police (BTP), who are investigating the incident, said the suspect is an employee of Global Reach Technology, which provides some Wi-Fi services to Network Rail. 

He has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act and offences under the Malicious Communications Act. 

No personal data is known to have been affected, the police said.

A spokesman from the BTP said: “Officers received reports of a breach of some Network Rail Wi-Fi services at railway stations which were displaying Islamophobic messaging.” 

People reported logging on to the Wi-Fi at the stations and being met with a screen about terror attacks in Europe, according to the BBC.

Railway stations affected by the attack included Clapham Junction, Waterloo, London Bridge as well as Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Euston, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Victoria.

The attack has also affected Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.

In a statement, Network Rail said their Wi-Fi service, which is supplied by a third party, has been suspended while the BTP investigation is underway.

Pictured top: Waterloo railway station (Picture: PA)