25 February 2022

Statement on International Committee of the Red Cross cyber attack

In January this year, the International Committee of the Red Cross (“ICRC”) detected a breach of its cyber security by unknown attackers.

The breach involved unauthorised entry into the ICRC computer network and servers, which contained information relating to the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Restoring Family Links services.

For the time being, Restoring Family Links has been taken offline as a precaution while further investigations into the cyber security breach are carried out.

We would like to reassure users of Restoring Family Links that there is currently no evidence that the ICRC’s cyber security breach has resulted in any personal data being either lost, stolen, misused, or published.

Nevertheless, we understand that users of Restoring Family Links may still be concerned about the safety of their personal data.

Any user of Restoring Family Links who is concerned should email: dataprotection@redcross.org.uk

if you wish to speak to someone instead please call us on 0300 373 0192 (available Monday – Friday 10am - 5pm). Interpreters are available.


Precautions

We would also recommend that users of Restoring Family Links look out for potential emails, texts, or phone calls that may not be genuine.

For example, if you receive an unexpected email or text message claiming to be from the Red Cross or asking for your personal information:


  • Do not click on any links in the message
  • Immediately delete the message and do not forward or share it
  • Do not respond to the message or share any of your personal details.

We know that it can be hard to tell whether a text, or phone calls is genuine in certain instances. In cases of doubt, we would advise you to contact us before you take any further action.

Once again, our email address is dataprotection@redcross.org.uk, or you can call us on 0300 373 0192 (available Monday – Friday 10am - 5pm). Interpreters are available.

If you are ever concerned at all for your safety, please contact the police.