Red Cross begs hackers not to leak information of “highly vulnerable”

Red Cross has announced it has been the victim of a cyber attack where the information of 515,000 “highly vulnerable” people has been stolen via the network of one of its subcontractors.

“Restoring Family Links” is a Red Cross program that aims to reunite families affected by separation due to conflict, migration, or disaster.

“While we don’t know who is responsible for this attack, or why they carried it out, we do have this appeal to make to them,” said Robert Mardini, director-general for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“Your actions could potentially cause yet more harm and pain to those who have already endured untold suffering. The real people, the real families behind the information you now have are among the world’s least powerful. Please do the right thing. Do not share, sell, leak or otherwise use this data,” Mardini said.

The Red Cross said that cyber attacks like this inhibit its staff from completing their work and prevents them from reuniting families.

“Every day, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement helps reunite on average 12 missing people with their families,” Mr. Mardini said, pleading with the hackers for compassion.

Red Cross has disclosed that the hackers have stolen information including names, locations and contact information.

“The people affected include missing people and their families, unaccompanied or separated children, detainees and other people receiving services from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a result of armed conflict, natural disasters or migration,” Red Cross has said in an email.

The Red Cross is still waiting to hear back from hackers following their plea.

The website “Restoring Family Links” is still currently down.