The Swift Response to the Transport for London Cyber Attack

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are at the forefront of protecting the UK against the escalating threat of cybercrime, as demonstrated in their swift and decisive response to the recent cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL).

In this attack, sensitive data, including bank details of around 5,000 customers, was exposed, prompting an immediate investigation. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences and was later bailed (BBC).

The NCA is overseeing the law enforcement response, collaborating closely with the NCSC and TfL to manage the incident and reduce any associated risks. This event underscores the vital role that both the NCA and NCSC play in mitigating cyber threats and responding effectively to such incidents.

“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.” said Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit.

“Attacks on public infrastructure such as this can be hugely disruptive and lead to severe consequences for local communities and national systems.

“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. 

“The NCA leads the UK’s response to cybercrime. We work closely with partners to protect the public by ensuring cyber criminals cannot act with impunity, whether that be by bringing them before the courts or through other disruptive and preventative action.”

Read his interview here – https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/arrest-made-in-nca-investigation-into-transport-for-london-cyber-attack.

Public Sector Cyber Security Conference

At the upcoming Public Sector Cyber Security Conference, Paul Foster, Head of Cyber Crime at the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), will lead a keynote session titled Preparing for the Next Generation of Ransomware. This session will focus on the increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks and the need for robust incident management protocols within public sector organisations.

Key Points from Paul Foster’s Keynote:

1. Incident Management Best Practices: Foster will emphasise the importance of improving immediate response and quarantine protocols when dealing with ransomware breaches. Quick isolation of infected systems is essential to limiting damage, as demonstrated by TfL’s rapid response, which helped minimise the attack’s impact.
2. Adapting to the Evolving Threat Landscape: Foster’s keynote will offer an analysis of the changing ransomware threat landscape, particularly the rise of groups like Scattered Spider, known for their social engineering tactics and exploitation of cloud-based systems. This underscores the need for organisations to remain vigilant and adaptable to these evolving threats​.
3. Creating a Culture of Cyber Preparedness: Beyond technical defences, Foster will discuss the importance of developing a cybersecurity-focused organisational culture. Regular auditing, staff training, and practice schedules are essential for ensuring that employees can confidently isolate and respond to ransomware breaches.
4. Identifying Internal Risks: Foster will recommend conducting internal surveys to identify vulnerabilities within systems. Understanding where risks lie is key to preventing future attacks and strengthening overall cyber resilience.

NCSC’s Panel on Cybersecurity in the Public Sector:

The NCSC will also participate in a panel discussion addressing the broader challenges that public sector organisations face in securing their IT infrastructure.

1. Current Threats: The panel will provide an overview of the common vulnerabilities in public sector systems, such as outdated software and weak patch management. These flaws are often exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to critical infrastructure
2. Data Sharing and Collaboration: One of the NCSC’s key recommendations will focus on securely sharing data with external partners to improve collective awareness and prevent breaches. Building long-term relationships with partners, including those involved in software design and procurement, will also be discussed as a way to bolster cyber defences
3. Strategies for Containing Threats: The NCSC will offer practical strategies for detecting, protecting against, and containing vulnerabilities within IT systems. These proactive measures are critical to safeguarding public sector organisations against ransomware and other cyber threats

The NCA and NCSC’s Combined Role:

Both agencies are essential to the UK’s cybersecurity framework. The NCA, through its NCCU, leads law enforcement efforts to investigate cybercrime, while the NCSC provides critical technical expertise and support to protect public infrastructure. Their coordinated response to the TfL attack showcased how crucial their collaboration is in defending against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The upcoming conference sessions led by the NCA and NCSC will be invaluable in equipping public sector organisations with the knowledge and tools to face these challenges. By focusing on improving incident response, fostering cybersecurity awareness within organisations, and addressing common vulnerabilities, these agencies are helping to safeguard the nation’s critical systems against future cyberattacks.

Join us at The Public Sector Cyber Security Conference 2025 to receive the latest updates on the threat landscape. Discover the strategies and tactics required to successfully defend your organisation against attacks. Share experiences with your peers around the UK. Find the partners and solution providers you need to meet your challenges and stay secure.