Sophisticated hacking system may be behind hoax threats received by Australian schools

Authorities say the calls, which threaten bombing or shooting attacks, and have been received at schools around the world, may be the work of hackers

Authorities believe a sophisticated and automated hacking system is behind a series of threatening hoax phone calls that have disrupted the start of the year for students at more than 30 schools throughout Australia, as well as students from hundreds of schools throughout France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and the UK.

The calls began on 29 January and were ignored by parts of the Australian media, with police in New South Wales urging reporters not to give attention to the hoaxers who threatened school shootings and bombs.