A 17-year-old teen from Walsall has been arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in connection with a cyber security breach affecting Transport for London (TfL).
The arrest, made on September 5, was part of an ongoing investigation into the cyber attack launched on TfL’s network on September 1. The teenager was detained on suspicion of offenses under the Computer Misuse Act and has since been questioned by NCA officers before being released on bail.
The NCA is spearheading the law enforcement response to the incident, collaborating closely with the National Cyber Security Centre and TfL to manage the situation and mitigate potential risks. Deputy Director Paul Foster, who leads the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, emphasized the urgency and importance of the investigation.
“We have been working at pace to support Transport for London following a cyber attack on their network, and to identify the criminal actors responsible,” Foster stated. He highlighted the potential for significant disruption caused by attacks on public infrastructure and the severe consequences they can have on local communities and national systems.
Foster praised TfL for their prompt response to the incident, which has been crucial in allowing law enforcement to act swiftly. “The swift response by TfL following the incident has enabled us to act quickly, and we are grateful for their continued co-operation with our investigation, which remains ongoing,” he added.
The NCA is committed to leading the UK’s response to cybercrime, working in partnership with various agencies to ensure that cyber criminals are brought to justice and cannot operate with impunity. This includes both prosecuting offenders and taking preventative measures.
In an effort to promote the responsible use of cyber skills, the NCA supports the Cyber Choices programme, which helps individuals make informed decisions to use their cyber abilities legally. For those affected by cybercrime, the Government’s Cyber Incident Signposting Site provides guidance on reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.
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