Hackers Break Into School's Bakaláři Account, Send Shooting Threat to Prague School

Czech police have urged users of the Bakaláři school information system to urgently check the security of their accounts. The warning follows an incident on Tuesday, when an unknown attacker hacked into a student's account and used it to send a threat of violence to a Prague school.

"We ask all Bakaláři users to check the security of their accounts, use strong and unique passwords, and never share their login credentials with anyone," police said in a statement on Facebook. According to police, this is already the second such case now under criminal investigation.

Shooting Threat and Emergency Measures

The threat reportedly targeted the Prague Academy of Crafts, a secondary technical school on Zelený pruh Street. The message claimed the author would arrive at the school armed at 8:00 a.m. and kill everyone in sight. In response, police immediately dispatched first-line patrols to the school, and together with the school administration, took measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Investigators identified the student whose account had been used to send the threat — but he turned out to have nothing to do with it. "According to available information, an unidentified attacker apparently breached the security of an account in the Bakaláři system and used it to send the threat," police said.

The school has already notified parents on its website that it fell victim to a cyberattack and urged them, along with their children, to remain extra vigilant about messages purportedly sent by the school.

What the Perpetrator Faces

The case is being investigated on suspicion of unauthorized access to a computer system and data carrier, unauthorized interference with a computer system, as well as under statutes covering dangerous threats and spreading false reports of a terrorist attack.

The company that runs the Bakaláři system said it is already working with police and schools to resolve the issue. "We recommend being cautious with any emails or messages asking you to enter your login credentials — this could be a phishing attack," the company added to the police's recommendations.

The Bakaláři system is used by teachers, students and parents across Czechia: through the website or app, users can check grades, timetables and substitute lessons, covered material, pay for school services, and report a child's absence. Some schools use alternative systems, such as EduPage or Škola OnLine.

Source: novinky.cz