Private schools’ sensitive data targeted by hackers [Video]

Online criminals are increasingly targeting wealthy private schools in Australia, a new report by the nation’s cyber espionage agency warns.

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) today released its annual threat assessment which found cybercrimes over the past financial year were costing small businesses nearly $50,000.

The average cost of cybercrime for individuals was about $30,000.

An emerging trend over the past 12 months was cyber attacks on private schools by hackers, the ASD says.

They are being lured by school records holding sensitive student data, including health and psychological data, which can be stolen and used to extort money from parents.

The ASD report cites a malware attack last November targeting the Association of Independent Schools of NSW triggered when an employee searched online for an Australian education sector enterprise agreement and clicked on …