Request ID: FOI-1675-2425 Date published: 30 September 2024
You asked
I am looking to find out about lost or stolen electronic equipment.
1. A log of all equipment registered as lost or stolen since 1 January 2023, including item description, date, location and estimated value.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1675-2425 Thank you for your request clarified on 3 September 2024 asking for information about lost and stolen electronic equipment that was used by TfL staff. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.
In accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply this information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 24 (National security) and section 31(1) (Prevention and detection of crime).
The London transport system is a critical piece of national infrastructure and as such we employ rigorous safeguards to protect it from cyber-attack. Like other organisations we are subject to attempted cyber-attacks. These attacks are unlawful under the Computer Misuse Act, and whilst the motive is not always apparent, we are aware of the risk to critical national infrastructure that may result from a successful attack.
Whilst we have disclosed similar information in the past, and while we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’ and so we must consider the possible current impact from disclosure of any information we may hold regarding the information you have requested. We consider that releasing information about the number of TfL devices that potentially could be located and misused would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent future attacks and undermine our ability to safeguard the London transport network.
The use of these exemptions is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our information systems and protecting the integrity of the London transport network.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London [email protected]
