Nursery Hackers Threaten to Publish More Children's Profiles Online
A shocking cyber attack has hit the Kido nursery chain, with hackers threatening to publish more children's profiles online unless they are paid. The attackers, calling themselves Radiant, have already posted pictures and private data of 20 children on a dark web page, leaving many parents feeling anxious and concerned.
The Attack: A Glimpse into the World of Cyber Crime
The hacking incident occurred when hackers accessed the nursery's data hosted by the software service Famly. This popular platform is used by over one million nurseries and childcare organizations worldwide. The attackers took advantage of a vulnerability in the system, exposing sensitive information including names, addresses, national insurance numbers, and contact details.
Reactions from Authorities and Experts
The Metropolitan Police is currently investigating the incident, with the Met's cybersecurity unit working closely with Kido to contain the damage. Former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, described the hackers' actions as "absolutely horrible." He emphasized that the risk of physical harm to children is extremely low.
Ciaran Martin, former head of the National Cyber Security Centre
"The hackers are trying to stoke up fear. The risk of physical harm to children is extremely low."
A Message from Famly: Taking Data Security Seriously
The software provider, Famly, has issued a statement confirming that their security and infrastructure were breached. However, they assured customers that there was no breach of their system, and no other customers have been affected. The company's CEO, Anders Laustsen, expressed his outrage at the attack, calling it "a truly barbaric new low."
Anders Laustsen, CEO of Famly
"This malicious attack represents a truly barbaric new low, with bad actors trying to expose our youngest children's data to make a quick buck. We take data security and privacy extremely seriously."
The Consequences: Parents' Concerns and Fears
Parents have expressed concerns about the hack, with many fearing that their child's information could be exposed online. One mother reported receiving a threatening phone call from the hackers, who demanded pressure on Kido to pay a ransom in exchange for not publishing more children's profiles.
A Call to Action: Parents, Be Cautious
Cyber experts advise parents to remain vigilant and never pay hacker ransoms. This can encourage the criminal ecosystem and put more people at risk. Parents are advised to direct their anger towards the attackers rather than the nursery staff, who are often the innocent victims of cybercrime.
One parent, Sean, understands the risks associated with online data breaches. He sympathizes with Kido's staff and encourages parents to remain calm. "We're in the digital age now where everything's online," he said. "Any parents that are getting angry should probably direct their anger towards the scumbags that have actually done it."
Kido has not publicly responded to our requests for comment, but they are working closely with authorities and the Met Police to address the incident. The nursery chain's staff are often the ones who bear the brunt of cyber attacks, and their support is crucial in these situations.
This shocking cyber attack highlights the importance of data security and online protection. Parents must remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their child's information. By staying informed and supporting those affected by cybercrime, we can work together to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This article is part of our ongoing coverage of cyber crime and data breaches. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the latest top tech stories and trends.