"Ransom Demands: Nursery Hackers Threaten to Expose Dozens of Children Online"

Nursery Hackers Threaten to Publish More Children's Profiles Online Hackers, calling themselves Radiant, have threatened to publish more personal data of thousands of children and their families online unless they receive payment. The group claims to have accessed the profiles of 20 children through a software service called Famly, which is used by numerous nurseries and childcare organizations. According to the BBC, the hackers posted profiles of 10 children online on Thursday and another 10 on Friday, including private data such as names, addresses, national insurance numbers, and contact details. The group has also published the personal information of dozens of employees, including their names, addresses, and contact details. The Met Police is investigating the breach, with concerns raised about the potential for further exploitation of sensitive information. Authorities are working closely with Kido nursery chain, which was hacked by Radiant, to contain the situation. Speaking on BBC News, a former head of the National Cyber Security Centre expressed concern about the ease with which hackers can access sensitive information through software services like Famly. "This is a wake-up call for all organizations that use third-party software," said the expert. "They need to ensure they have robust security measures in place to protect their users' data." Famly, the software service used by Kido and other nurseries, has not commented on the breach. However, according to its website, Famly uses industry-standard encryption to protect user data. The incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime against vulnerable targets such as children's services. "This is a serious breach that requires immediate attention," said a spokesperson for the Met Police. "We are working closely with Kido and other affected organizations to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent further exploitation." As the investigation continues, parents and caregivers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their children's online profiles for any suspicious activity. In the meantime, authorities urge anyone with information about the breach or the hackers' identity to come forward. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information. As one expert noted, "This is not just a matter of hacking; it's also a matter of data protection and safeguarding vulnerable individuals." This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.