Thalha Jubair, 20, and Owen Flowers, 18, could have caused ‘catastrophic damage’, with more than 27,000 employees affected – this is a breaking story
Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers hacked TfL’s online network(Image: NCA/PA Wire)
Two “experienced and talented” hackers cost Transport for London (TfL) £29million after an “extremely serious” hack.
Thalha Jubair, 20, and Owen Flowers, 18, conducted the cyberattack on TfL’s online network which could have done “catastrophic damage” between August 31 and September 3, 2024.
As a result of the hack, all of TfL’s more than 27,000 employees were forced to attend an office to reset their passwords. The attack included data from the Oyster refund system being accessed, delaying contactless systems and closing down applications for Oyster photocards for children and young people.
Jubair and Flowers, the culprits behind the “multi-day intrusion”, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today, having admitted their roles in the hack. They were found to be connected to the Scattered Spider group, which the National Crime Agency (NCA) linked to other cyberattacks on Jaguar Land Rover and retailers including Marks & Spencer.
Mark Fenhalls KC, prosecuting, said: “These two young men are highly skilled with computers and capable of wreaking havoc and you may think wholly indifferent to the consequences for the public and the potential suffering and costs to others.” Along with the £29 million in damages from disruption to services and operational work, TfL claims the incident cost £10 million in lost income.
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