Children Hacking Their Own Schools for 'Fun,' Watchdog Warns
LONDON (AP) - The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a warning about the "worrying trend" of students hacking their own school and college IT systems, often as part of dares or challenges.
According to the ICO, more than half of so-called "insider" cyber attacks and data breaches in education settings originate with students. Since 2022, the office has investigated 215 hacks and breaches originating from inside education settings, with 57 carried out by children.
Heather Toomey, Principal Cyber Specialist at the ICO, said, "What starts out as a dare, a challenge, a bit of fun in a school setting can ultimately lead to children taking part in damaging attacks on organisations or critical infrastructure."
The warning comes amid a spate of high-profile cyber-attacks affecting firms including Microsoft and Jaguar Land Rover, in which teenage hackers have been implicated. The ICO says the trend is not unique to the UK, with similar incidents reported globally.
In the United States, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also highlighted the threat posed by insider attacks, particularly in education settings. "Insider threats can be just as devastating as external cyber-attacks," said CISA Director Jen Easterly. "Educators and administrators must be aware of this risk and take proactive steps to prevent it."
The ICO's warning is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the risks posed by insider attacks in education settings. The office is working with schools and colleges to provide guidance on how to identify and mitigate these threats.
As the global community grapples with the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, experts say that addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach. "It's not just about technology or security measures," said Toomey. "It's also about educating children and young people about the risks and consequences of their actions."
The ICO has urged schools and colleges to take immediate action to address the threat, including implementing robust security measures and providing education and awareness programs for students.
In related news, the UK government has announced plans to increase funding for cybersecurity initiatives in education settings. The move is seen as a step towards addressing the growing concern about insider attacks in schools and colleges.
The ICO's warning serves as a reminder that cyber-attacks can have far-reaching consequences, not just for individuals but also for organizations and critical infrastructure. As the global community continues to grapple with this issue, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in preventing future incidents.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
