Travelex ignored September warning over 'insecure' VPN server software

Currency exchange specialist Travelex was warned about insecure virtual private networking (VPN) servers that it was running in September last year - but that warning appears to have been ignored.
The warning was issued by Chicago, Illinois-based security researcher Troy Mursch, tweeting under his @bad_packets account. He claims that he notified in the organisation about the vulnerable Pulse Secure VPN servers it was running on 13 September, but received no response from the company.
Travelex was one of a number of companies that Mursch informed, also informing the UK's National Cyber Security Centre at the same time. The NCSC sent out warning letters to affected organisations as a result of that warning.
But even now, according to UK-based security specialist Kevin Beaumont, a large number of organisations are still running iterations of Pulse Secure bearing a vulnerability identified 11 months ago.
And one-quarter of those vulnerable servers are located in the US, added Beaumont, at a time when Iran has threatened retaliation for the assassination of a senior general.
Today, the Travelex website and mobile app remain down with what the holding page describes as "planned maintenance". The website and associated currency exchange facilities were taken down on New Year's Eve following what the organisation had claimed was a virus outbreak.
Travelex's action has also affected currency exchange services from Barclays, HSBC, Sainsbury's Bank, First Direct and Virgin Money, which rely on Travelex. Users of the company's pre-paid foreign currency cards have also been affected and left unable to top them up for more than a week.
The vacuum left behind by the lack of information about the nature of the attack has been filled with speculation, with anything from North Korean state actors to ransomware blamed for the extended downtime.
source computing
Industry: Cyber Security News

Latest Jobs
-
- Senior Presales Consultant | Managed Security Services | London
- London
- N/A
-
Senior Presales Consultant – Managed Security Services Location: London-commutable (Hybrid) A well-established cyber consultancy is seeking a Senior Presales Consultant to drive growth across its managed security services / advisory portfolio. This hybrid role bridges commercial and technical expertise supporting solution design, shaping customer proposals, and guiding conversations from scoping through to delivery. Key experience: Background in managed security services, including SOC operations and threat detection Strong knowledge of cloud and on-prem security tooling (SIEM, EDR, IAM) Penetration testing Proven ability to translate technical concepts into clear business value Confident in customer-facing engagements and pre-sales delivery Experience contributing to bids, proposals, and RFI/RFP responses To find out more contact me on 07884666351 Visa sponsorship is unfortunately not available for this role.
-
- New Business | Cyber Security | Overlay sales (UK Based- London commutable)
- London
- N/A
-
New Business Sales Hunter needed | Cybersecurity (UK Based- London commutable) Are you looking for uncapped commission, a fun and sociable team that drives success with no politics? If so...You must Have a demonstrable history of sales success in Cyber Security Follow Weatons law. The role: Seeking a proven New Business Sales Hunter to join an established, successful and expanding team. New business focused - £500-750 GP Sell a blend of security services & professional services. Ideal experience selling some or all of the following Cyber strategy & risk management Managed detection & response (MDR) Penetration testing Compliance & audit support You: Strong cybersecurity/IT services sales track record. Confident selling into mid-market & enterprise. UK based - London commutable Hunter mindset, full sales cycle ownership. Don't just send an email to apply give me a call on 07884666351
-
- New Business Sales Hunter | Cyber Security (UK Based)
- London
- To attract the right person
-
New Business Sales Hunter needed | Cybersecurity (UK Based) Are you looking for uncapped commission, a fun and sociable team that drives success with no politics? If so...You must Be UK based - and able to achieve UK SC clearance. (sorry no visas) Have a demonstrable history of sales success in Cyber Security Follow Weatons law. The role: Seeking a proven New Business Sales Hunter to join an established, successful and expanding cyber security firm. New business focused - £1m GP year one target (ramped). Sell a blend of security services & professional services. Ideal experience selling some or all of the following Cyber strategy & risk management Managed detection & response (MDR) Penetration testing Compliance & audit support You: Strong cybersecurity/IT services sales track record. Confident selling into mid-market & enterprise. UK based - London commutable 1x per week. Hunter mindset, full sales cycle ownership. Don't just send an email to apply give me a call on 07884666351