Global cyber attack on Go-Ahead systems

A SERIOUS global cyber-attack at transport firm Go-Ahead has led to an investigation at the company.

In a circular sent out to it’s Irish employees on Monday, the company said they are “currently investigating a serious incident involving Go-Ahead IT systems” and that their IT Department are “actively working with their IT contractors to resolve this issue”.

The breaches have affected parts of Go-Ahead’s back office systems, including the software that manages parts of its bus operations, such as driver rostering, although he company say there was no disruption to services.

UK-listed company Go-Ahead is one of the biggest bus operators in Britain, operates rail contracts in Norway and Germany, and also has bus contracts in Ireland, Singapore and Sweden.

The Echo understands Go Ahead Ireland employ 660 staff across the company, including it’s depots in Ballymount and Naas.

The IT issue, which is affecting the entire Go-Ahead group worldwide, restricted the ability of the company to access live information and respond to customer queries on social media.

In the email sent to staff on Monday, Go-Ahead Ireland said: “Due to the global IT issue, for payroll to run this week, Go-Ahead Ireland will have to pay basic 39 hours and then run a supplement with the additional hours once DAS is up and running again

The Echo understands a work phone app is down, and drivers have to phone in to check their duties for the day, unless they took a screenshot of their work rota before the cyber-attack.

A spokesperson for Go-Ahead told The Echo: “A number of back office administrative systems have been impacted however drivers continue to be supplied with their rotas.

“Payroll will be made on time to all employees. Services are running as normal across all routes. If any services are affected, we will inform customers via our social media channels.”