More than a quarter of under-14 year olds admit computer hacking.

A new survey has revealed that one in four children has tried to hack into secure internet sites, including their friends’ accounts, parents’ emails, and even corporate websites.

More than 25% of the children had targeted Facebook accounts, 18% had looked at their friends’ email accounts, 7% had hacked online retail sites, 6% their parents’ email, 5% breached their school’s website – and 3% had even hacked into company websites.

Worryingly, only half of the children (53%) thought hacking was illegal, and 20% carried out the activity in an effort to make money.

Stuart Hyde, Cumbria Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable and ACPO lead on E-Crime Prevention and President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB), said: “What this survey starkly highlights is that hacking into personal online accounts whether email or Facebook can be child’s play if users do not protect their own passwords.

“We live in a world where social networking, email and the internet are embedded into our everyday lives from a far younger age so early education is essential to ensure young people know the devastating consequences this activity can have… Hacking is illegal and we need to ensure everyone understands that.”

Tips to keep passwords and accounts secure online include: installing security software; varying your username and password between sites; periodically changing your username and password; and never disclosing passwords or responding to emails asking for this information.

One thousand children were surveyed as part of the research, carried out by Tufin Technologies in conjunction with Cumbria Police.