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A hacker group known as Radiant has reportedly stolen sensitive data from Kido, a nursery chain operating in the U.S., U.K., China, and India. The breach involves the personal information of around 8,000 children, including names, photos, and addresses. Radiant posted samples of the stolen data on a darknet website and demanded a ransom from Kido, threatening to release more information if their demands were not met.
In a concerning twist, Radiant has also contacted some parents directly, urging them to pressure Kido into paying the ransom. According to BBC News, the hackers initially posted profiles of the children online but later removed the posts and claimed to have deleted the data following public backlash. Cybersecurity expert Jen Ellis expressed skepticism, suggesting the move was more about protecting the hackers' reputation than genuine remorse.
The breach has sparked outrage due to the sensitive nature of the data involved. The hackers allegedly accessed Kido's systems by purchasing access from an initial access broker. Despite Radiant's claims of data deletion, past incidents suggest that stolen data can often resurface.
Kido has not paid the ransom and is working with external specialists to investigate the breach. They have informed families and authorities about the incident. Meanwhile, experts emphasize the importance of digital security measures to protect children's data and privacy. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children's online accounts and use tools like two-factor authentication to enhance security.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting vulnerable sectors like education and childcare. As investigations continue, families affected by the breach are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their personal information.