Jersey nurseries warned to protect against hackers

A local cybersecurity expert said most hackers "choose their targets based on how easy they are to attack"

Nurseries in Jersey have been warned by local cybersecurity experts to review how they protect themselves against hackers.

Cyber-criminals calling themselves Radiant stole pictures and private data from thousands of nursery children and their families in the UK, US and India last week.

The Jersey Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) said no nurseries in Jersey were affected by the hack.

JCSC director Matt Palmer said most hackers "choose their targets based on how easy they are to attack", so strengthening protection would prevent local nurseries becoming targets.

The JCSC said nurseries could take straightforward steps to protect themselves, including:

• Having good passwords for all accounts - for example, using three random words)

• Using two-factor authentication

• Regularly making and testing backups

• Reviewing access controls so staff only had access to systems they need

• Training staff on phishing and data handling