Transport operator Go-Ahead says it has been hit by a cyber security "incident" and says it is investigating the extent of the issue.
In a brief update to shareholders, the Newcastle-based group said it had detected unauthorised activity on its network this week and had quickly hired forensic experts. The firm said it was taking precautionary measures with its IT infrastructure as it worked to understand the nature and extent of the problem.
Business Live was told there was no indication that customer data such as bank account or credit card details had been exposed, and that all payments are handled by accredited third party providers. Go-Ahead also said it was doing everything possible to ensure services continued without interruption and that if any services are affected, customers will be informed via its apps and social media accounts.
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In the update to the London Stock Exchange, Go-Ahead said: "Go-Ahead will continue to assess the potential impact of the incident but confirms that there is no impact on UK or International rail services which are operating normally. As a precaution, Go-Ahead has notified relevant regulators, including the Information Commissioner's Office in the UK. The board will provide a further update as and when appropriate."
It comes just weeks before a major deal for the group's takeover is due to be completed. Last month Go-Ahead shareholders voted in favour of Kinetic TCo Pty Ltd and Globalvia Inversiones S.A.U's offer to pay 1,550 pence per share, valuing the business at £669m.
The takeover deal is due to be completed next month. It brings together Kinetic, Australia and New Zealand's largest bus network, and Spanish firm Globalvia in a consortium that Go-Ahead chief executive Christian Schreyer has said will help the UK business' decarbonisation and digitalisation plans.
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