Two teenagers face court this month after being charged over a cyber-attack on Transport for London's computer systems, the Metropolitan Police have announced.
The 16-year-old defendant has been charged with two counts of computer misuse and two counts of fraud by false representation. His 17-year-old co-accused faces one count of computer misuse and one count of fraud by false representation. Both will appear at Youth Court later this month.
The Met's Cyber Crime Unit led the investigation into the alleged breach of TfL's systems. Police have not disclosed whether the attack caused service disruptions or compromised passenger data, with details remaining limited due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The charges highlight growing concerns over cyber-attacks targeting Britain's critical infrastructure. TfL operates London's vast transport network, handling millions of passenger journeys daily and storing extensive personal data, making it an attractive target for hackers.
The case demonstrates that age offers no protection from prosecution for cybercrime, with law enforcement agencies increasingly prioritising digital offences. The National Cyber Security Centre continues to urge public sector organisations to strengthen their defences against sophisticated online threats.
For TfL's millions of daily users, the incident serves as a reminder of the constant battle being fought behind the scenes to protect the digital systems that keep London moving.