The Charity Commission has warned charities to protect
themselves against internet risks after hackers attacked the online
security systems of a Christian charity, Aid to the Church in Need,
and stole details of over 2,000 online donors.
In some cases, the fraudsters have used these details to contact
benefactors directly, trying to extract more money.
The charity closed its website temporarily, warned those
affected and reported the breach to the police.
"We are all in a state of shock,” said Neville Kyrke-Smith,
National Director at Aid to the Church in Need UK. “Apart from the
obvious distress to benefactors, we're concerned that our charity
identity has been stolen. However it's the beneficiaries, those who
need the money the most, who will ultimately suffer. I urge all
charities to regularly review their website security and make sure
all software is up-to-date."
According to Andrew Hind, Chief Executive at the Commission:
"This charity already used a secure
encrypted connection to transfer and store data and the
organisation's website should have been safe. However it's a sad
fact of modern times that charities, like businesses, have to make
sure their websites are protected. All charities need to regularly
review website security and make sure they stay ahead of the
hackers and fraudsters."
