UK kindergartens under cyberattack, 8,000 children affected
Cybercriminals (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Cybercriminals have stolen data of over 8,000 children from kindergartens in the UK, according to CNN.
The stolen information reportedly includes photographs, names, and addresses of the children. Some of this data has already been posted on the dark web, and the perpetrators have issued a ransom demand to the company involved.
The London Police confirmed that they received a report about the ransom incident on September 25. The case is being investigated by the cybercrime unit, but no arrests have been made so far.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has described the situation as deeply concerning.
“Cyber criminals will target anyone if they think there is money to be made, and going after those who look after children is a particularly egregious act,” said the centre’s director, Jonathon Ellison.
Parents have also expressed outrage.
“They are kids – their personal details shouldn’t be worth anything. You are probably prepared to go a little bit further to protect children’s privacy and personal details,” said Bryony Wilde, whose child attends the Kido kindergarten in London, in a BBC interview.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the stolen information could be used for harassment, intimidation, or even attacks on vulnerable families.
The Kido network, according to its official website, was founded by a group of parents from different countries and operates kindergartens in several states. The organization employs modern early childhood education methods, but the incident shows that its cybersecurity systems urgently need strengthening.
This case highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on educational institutions and the importance of robust protection of children’s data in the digital age.
For context, the hacker group ShinyHunters previously breached Google’s database, putting 2.5 billion Gmail accounts at risk.
