- Two teenagers accused after the TFL cyber attack linked to the dispersion of the Spider criminal collective
- The NCA says that hacking has caused millions of losses while TFL operations have disrupted for months
- CPS confirms the proceedings as two men in derogation before the appearance of October Crown Court
Two adolescents were charged with a recent cyber attack that left transportation to London (TFL) which fights against months of disturbance and tens of millions of losses.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said that the intrusion, which began on August 31, 2024, was linked to Sported Spider, a cybercriminal group which he describes as a growing threat.
Thalha Jubair, nineteen, from eastern London, and Owen Flowers, eighteen, from Walsall, were arrested at their home by the NCA and the police of the City of London.
Significant disturbance and millions of losses
The two subsequently appeared in front of the short Westminster Magistrates, accused of conspiracy in order to commit unauthorized acts against TFL under the law on the abuse of the computer.
Flowers was already on deposit when TFL hacking took place. After his arrest, the agents identified evidence that he had also targeted the American health companies for which he now faces additional accusations.
Jubair was charged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act for refusing to provide the passwords of the devices seized.
Deputy Director Paul Foster, Head of the National Cybercrime of the NCA, said: “Today’s accusations are a key step in what was a long and complex investigation. This attack caused significant disturbances and millions of losses against TFL, part of the critical national infrastructure of the United Kingdom.”
Foster then added: “Earlier this year, the NCA warned against an increase in the threat of cybercriminals based in the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries, of which Spattered Spider is a clear example. NCA, the British police and our international partners, including the FBI, are collectively determined to identify offenders within these networks and to guarantee justice.”
The two men were placed in pre -trial detention and should appear in court in October.
Hannah von Dadelszen, chief prosecutor of the crown for the CPS, said: “The Crown prosecution service decided to continue Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers with charges related to improper use and fraud by computer … Our prosecutors worked to establish sufficient evidence to bring the case to the test and that it is in the public interest to continue the criminal procedure.”
TFL said in a statement: “We welcome this announcement by the National Crime Agency that two people have now been charged in relation to the cyber-incident which had an impact on our operations last year.”
The hack forced the TFL to write to 5,000 customers warning their bank details and their personal information may have been exposed.
While transport services continued, online platforms and digital information systems have been closed for months.
Adolescents are increasingly behind the major cyber attacks, including the M&S, Co-OP and Harrods targeting incidents, while others, even younger, were surprised to hack their own schools.
Via Bbc
