Hackers Delete Children's Pictures and Data After Nursery Attack Backlash
In a shocking turn of events, hackers who attempted to extort a nursery chain by posting stolen images and data about children on the darknet have removed the posts and claim to have deleted the information. The cyber attack, which began last Thursday, sparked widespread public revulsion, forcing the criminals to backtrack.
According to sources, the hackers initially posted profiles of 20 children to their website, adding another 10 children days later and vowing to continue until Kido Schools paid a ransom in Bitcoin. The criminals also contacted parents directly with threatening phone calls while trying to get their ransom paid. However, as public outrage grew, the hackers began to blur the images but kept the data up.
"It's clear that the public backlash has had an impact on the hackers' plans," said Joe Tidy, Cyber Correspondent for the BBC World Service. "The fact that they have removed the posts and claim to have deleted the information suggests that they are trying to distance themselves from the controversy."
The attack is believed to be a classic case of extortion by cybercrime gangs who target vulnerable organizations and individuals with stolen data. According to experts, such attacks often involve sophisticated hacking techniques and can cause significant emotional distress for those affected.
"The hackers' actions were not only malicious but also reckless," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Cambridge. "Posting children's personal data online without their consent is a serious breach of trust and can have long-term consequences for the victims."
Kido Schools has declined to comment on the incident, but parents whose children's information was compromised are still reeling from the attack. Many have expressed outrage and concern over the hackers' actions, with some calling for greater protection for vulnerable organizations.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working closely with cybersecurity experts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online security and the need for organizations to prioritize data protection.
In a statement, the hackers claimed that they had deleted all the information and would not continue their attack. However, it remains to be seen whether this is a genuine attempt to back down or simply a ploy to avoid further scrutiny.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for greater awareness and education on online security. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our defenses against cyber threats.
Sources:
BBC Technology: Hackers say they have deleted children's pictures and data after nursery attack backlash
BBC Business: Hackers say they have deleted children's pictures and data after nursery attack backlash
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
