More than 1,150 cases have been referred to the National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Cyber Choices scheme in the last eight years – nearly 600 of those were in the last three years.
Authorities warn teenage hacking groups are playing an increasingly prominent role in serious cyber-attacks.
Young, English-speaking hackers have been linked to attacks on major organisations including Transport for London (TfL) and MGM Grand in 2024, and Marks & Spencer and the Co-op in 2025.
Individuals are also being increasingly targeted in hacks for their cryptocurrency holdings.
“It certainly has become more of a problem,” said Paul Foster, who leads cyber prevention work at the NCA.
“Certainly English-speaking, Western world individuals that we know are now more active in cyber-crime.”
He said young people were engaged with online activity and devices at increasingly young ages exposing them to criminal communities and influences.
Police say many young offenders do not initially set out to become criminals.
Instead, they often begin by experimenting with technology, testing systems or trying to bypass restrictions before becoming drawn into online communities where hacking is encouraged.
