Police have arrested two men in connection with a major cyberattack on the Kido nursery chain. The attack resulted in hackers stealing personal data, including names and photos, of about 8,000 children. The suspects, a 17-year-old and a 22-year-old, were taken into custody in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. The Metropolitan Police are holding them for questioning on suspicion of computer misuse and blackmail.
The cyberhackers reportedly used the stolen information to demand ransom payments. Beyond the children’s data, there are significant concerns that the hackers may also have obtained sensitive information about parents, carers, and even safeguarding notes. This has created widespread alarm among the families affected by the ransomware attack, as the full extent of the data breach remains unclear.
According to the Metropolitan Police, specialist investigators have been working quickly to identify those responsible for the breach. This is a top priority for the force due to the sensitive nature of the information involved. They aim to provide reassurance and support to the community and the families who are understandably worried about the incident’s potential impact on them and their loved ones.
The arrests signal a key development in the ongoing investigation. The focus is now on the questioning of the two suspects to determine their roles in the attack. While the arrests bring some hope for resolution, the wider community remains concerned about the data that may still be in the hands of the hackers and the long-term consequences of such a significant breach.
This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly when it targets vulnerable institutions like schools and nurseries. The police have emphasized that they are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. They are committed to continuing their investigation and providing updates as new information becomes available, aiming to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
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