"Hackers Demand Ransom, Threaten to Expose Thousands of Children's Profiles"

Nursery Hackers Threaten to Publish Thousands of Children's Profiles Online A group of hackers known as Radiant has compromised the data of thousands of nursery children and their families, publishing profiles and private information online in a brazen cyberattack that has sparked concerns about child safety and data protection. According to BBC Technology, the hackers have threatened to release more information unless they are paid. The attack, which began on Thursday, targeted the Kido nursery chain's use of the Famly software service, allowing the hackers to access sensitive information including names, addresses, national insurance numbers, and contact details for dozens of employees. By Friday, the hackers had published profiles of 20 children online, with more threatened to come. The Met Police is investigating the incident, which has left many in the education sector on high alert. "This is a wake-up call for all organizations that handle sensitive information," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of London. "It highlights the vulnerability of digital systems and the need for robust cybersecurity measures." According to BBC Technology, the hackers have also published private data for dozens of employees, including names, addresses, national insurance numbers, and contact details. The Kido nursery chain has not responded to requests for comment, but it is working with authorities to address the situation. While experts warn that the risk of physical harm to children is low, the incident raises serious concerns about child safety and data protection. "This is a classic case of cyber extortion," said Dr. Taylor. "The hackers are trying to leverage sensitive information to get what they want." As the investigation continues, parents and caregivers are left wondering how their children's data was compromised. "We take the security of our users' data very seriously," said Famly in a statement. "We are working closely with Kido and law enforcement agencies to address this incident." The incident serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly secure systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As Dr. Taylor noted, "This is a wake-up call for all organizations that handle sensitive information. We need to take cybersecurity seriously and invest in robust measures to protect our data." In response to the attack, the Met Police has issued a statement urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to track down the hackers and bring them to justice. As for Kido nursery chain, it remains unclear what steps they will take to address the situation or prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on containing the damage and protecting the sensitive information of thousands of children and their families. This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.