London Transport Among Targets as Teen Hackers Face Cyber Choices Scheme

Two autistic teenagers were sentenced to five and a half years in prison in July 2024 for hacking Transport for London in 2024. The attack disrupted Oyster-card top-ups and live travel updates across the capital. The judge noted their autism during sentencing, as reported by the BBC.

The case has focused attention on a national police programme that visits young hackers at home. Cyber Choices, run by the National Crime Agency, aims to divert teenagers into cyber-security careers before they commit serious offences. Nearly 600 referrals were made in the last three years, the NCA told the BBC.

How the scheme works in London

PC Sam Cooper, a cyber-prevention officer, visits the homes of referred teenagers. He explains the legal boundaries of hacking and then steers them towards training courses. In one case in Cumbria, he took a 16-year-old to a university cyber-security open day after months of home visits.

Cooper told the BBC that most of the young people he works with are neurodiverse. He said they often have a strong affinity for computers but struggle with social cues. The programme is voluntary, so teenagers can refuse to engage.

Barnet schools to receive guidance

Barnet Council confirmed it will send an advisory note to all maintained schools by 16 September 2024. The note will list warning signs of unauthorised access to school IT systems, such as pupils bypassing firewalls or installing unauthorised software. Schools will be asked to report any incidents to the council’s safeguarding team.

A council spokesperson said the guidance is a precaution. There is no evidence that Barnet schools have been targeted by teenage hackers. The council also said it has no plans to introduce the Cyber Choices programme locally, as the NCA already covers the borough.

What happens next for residents

Parents and teachers who suspect a young person is hacking can contact the NCA’s Cyber Choices team directly. The NCA website lists a referral form and a non-emergency phone number. The council’s safeguarding team will also accept reports from schools and will pass them to the NCA if appropriate.

The next formal step is a meeting of Barnet’s Children, Education and Safeguarding Committee on 23 September 2024. The committee will review the council’s response to the rise in youth cyber-crime. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Hendon Town Hall at 7 p.m.