Cyber-attack on ICRC: Sophisticated cyber-attack targets Red Cross Red Crescent data on 500,000 people

This week, a sophisticated cyber security attack was identified against computer systems storing data maintained by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). More than 515,000 very vulnerable people, including those separated from their families due to conflict, migration, and disasters, missing persons and their families, and those in imprisonment, had their personal data and private information exposed. At least 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies throughout the world contributed data.

The ICRC's most important worry in the aftermath of this incident is the potential risks that this breach poses to people that the Red Cross and Red Crescent network aims to protect and help, as well as their families — including sensitive information being released publicly. When someone go missing, their families and friends experience a great deal of distress and worry. "An attack on the data of those who have gone missing exacerbates the agony and suffering of their families. We are all shocked and bewildered that such sensitive humanitarian data would be targeted and compromised "Director-General Robert Mardini of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)."