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TransLink investigates ‘suspicious network activity’ affecting online payment options

Click to play video: 'TransLink disables electronic payment options over possible cyber crime'
TransLink disables electronic payment options over possible cyber crime
TransLink disables electronic payment options over possible cyber crime – Dec 2, 2020

A number of TransLink‘s online services were not working Wednesday morning as the company investigated what it called “suspicious network activity” impacting its IT systems.

While officials were not calling it a hack, a source told Global News the entire database was breached Monday night.

In a statement, the transit agency said it was “working to restore full system functionality as soon as possible.”

“All transit services continue to operate regularly and without impact,” TransLink said. “No transit safety systems are affected.”

Click to play video: '‘Suspicious network activity’ disables Metro Vancouver transit services'
‘Suspicious network activity’ disables Metro Vancouver transit services

TransLink shut down a number of online services as a precaution.

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Customers couldn’t use credit or debit cards at Compass Card vending machines or tap them at fare gates.

They could still use cash at ticket-vending machines, and staff were on hand to help.

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TransLink also warned that stored value could take longer than usual to load onto a Compass Card.

The trip planner tool was also disabled.

Sources inside TransLink told Global News that phones are down, the radio system on buses has been down for more than 24 hours, drivers can’t access an online portal for employees, and some tasks are being done manually.

TransLink said it was limited in the information it could share, “given that this is an active investigation involving law enforcement authorities.”

Metro Vancouver Transit Police said they were working with local and national cyber crime experts on the file.

 

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