The Auckland Transport Authority allegedly suffered a cyberattack

The Auckland Transport (AT) authority, which oversees the public transportation and infrastructure in Auckland, has reportedly suffered a ransomware attack. The attack has allegedly halted the vital systems and affected the agency’s customer services.

AT manages various transportation networks, such as ferries, buses, trains, and roads. Its integrated ticketing and fare system, known as HOP, forms the efficient process of commuting within the city.

 

Auckland Transport experienced disruptions in its services.

 

The Auckland Transport Authority announced that it is currently in a battle against different issues that the cyberattack inflicted on its networks. The cyberattack has compromised multiple transport services and impacted numerous computers.

The attack’s primary impact is within the entity’s payment services. The confirmed sectors that suffered disruption from the attack are Online Top-Ups, Auto Top-Ups, Ticket and Top-Up machines, Eftpos, credit card transactions, AT customer service centres, and HOP retailers.

In addition, a local media report in New Zealand claimed that the attack has indications of a ransomware attack. However, the agency is still investigating the attack; hence, they cannot yet admit the full scope of the incident.

The agency assured its passengers that their buses, ferries, and trains services remain uninterrupted. AT also considers HOP cards that do not have balance during this malicious event.

AT asked its consumers to bear with their interrupted services since they are still restoring their operation on their websites and HOP assistance centre. There are looming concerns about the nature of the attack since there have been numerous ransomware incidents in the region over the past few months. Hence, data exposure might occur if the incident happens to be a ransomware attack.

There is yet a ransomware group to claim responsibility for the attack on AT’s systems, leaving everyone anxious. This new incident is a reminder that infrastructure providers should employ a robust security system to avoid such incidents and protect the well-being of every relevant individual. Lastly, Auckland Transport will determine the scope of the disruption in the city transportation system as soon as they conclude their investigation.