Students Hacking Their Own Schools: "Fun" Prank Turns into Serious Security Threat

Children Hacking Their Own Schools for 'Fun', Watchdog Warns LONDON - The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has sounded the alarm about a "worrying trend" of students hacking their own school and college IT systems, often as a dare or for fun. According to the ICO, more than half of so-called "insider" cyber attacks and data breaches in education settings originate with students. The warning comes amid a surge in high-profile cyber-attacks worldwide, including those affecting Microsoft and Jaguar Land Rover, where teenage hackers have been implicated. Since 2022, the ICO has investigated 215 hacks and breaches originating from inside education settings, with 57 attributed to children. "This is a worrying trend that highlights the need for educators to be aware of the insider threat posed by their own students," said Heather Toomey, Principal Cyber Specialist at the ICO. "What starts out as a dare, a challenge, or a bit of fun in a school setting can ultimately lead to children taking part in damaging attacks on organisations or critical infrastructure." The ICO's warning is not unique to the UK. In the United States, the Department of Education has reported a significant increase in cyber-attacks originating from within schools and colleges. Similarly, in Australia, the Australian Cyber Security Centre has warned about the growing threat of insider threats in education settings. Experts say that the rise of social media and online gaming has created an environment where young people are more likely to engage in hacking activities as a form of entertainment or to impress their peers. "Young people are often unaware of the consequences of their actions, and educators need to be proactive in educating them about cyber security best practices," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Melbourne. The ICO has urged teachers to take steps to prevent insider threats, including monitoring student activity on school networks and providing regular education on cyber security awareness. The watchdog also recommends that schools implement robust incident response plans to quickly contain and respond to any breaches. As the global community grapples with the growing threat of cyber-attacks, the ICO's warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of educating young people about responsible online behavior and the potential consequences of their actions. In related news, the UK government has announced plans to increase funding for cybersecurity education in schools and colleges. The move is seen as a step towards addressing the growing threat of insider threats in education settings. The ICO's investigation into the 215 hacks and breaches is ongoing, with more details expected to emerge in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Bbc.*