Image by BBC Creative, from Unsplash
Hackers Steal Data Of 8,000 Children In London Nursery Cyberattack
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
A group of cybercriminals has stolen highly sensitive data from Kido International, a nursery chain with 18 sites in London, exposing information on more than 8,000 children and their families.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Stolen data includes names, photos, addresses, and safeguarding reports.
- Radiant threatened to release 30 more child profiles and 100 staff.
- Some parents received ransom threats directly by phone and email.
The hackers, who call themselves Radiant, published a sample of 10 children’s profiles on their dark web site, including names, photos, addresses, and family details.
They claim to also hold safeguarding reports, billing information, and accident records. “Next steps for us will be to release 30 more profiles of each child and 100 employees’ private data,” the group threatened online, as reported by The Guardian .
Radiant has demanded payment and even contacted some parents directly by phone and email, warning them their child’s data could be posted unless pressure was put on Kido to pay, reported The Guardian.
One parent told the BBC : “The nursery told us very quickly […] My partner actually works in cyber-security and we understand these things happen. But we do feel the nursery has handled it well.” Another, Bryony Wilde, said: “They are kids – their personal details shouldn’t be worth anything.”
The BBC reports that group described itself as conducting a “pentest,” a penetration test normally done with permission, but admitted that “of course” it’s about money
Speaking to Reuters , they also claimed to be based in Russia but provided no evidence.
The cyber security experts strongly criticized the attack. Jonathon Ellison of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre said it was “a particularly egregious act,” as reported by the BBC.
Kido confirmed it had informed families and authorities, and is working with forensic specialists. Reuters reports that the Metropolitan Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing and remain in the early stages within the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit.”
Image by Number 10, from Flickr
UK Announced Mandatory Digital IDs For Workers By 2029
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
The UK government has announced a new plan to introduce mandatory digital identification from all foreign workers who seek employment in the UK, starting from 2029.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- IDs will be free and stored on mobile phones.
- The government says the system boosts security and cuts fraud.
- Civil liberties groups warn of mass surveillance risks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a governmental press release that the scheme would “make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure” while also offering “countless benefits” such as faster access to services like driving licences, tax records and childcare.
The free IDs will be stored on mobile phones, and will work similarly to contactless payments. They will include a person’s name, date of birth, nationality, residency status, and a photo.
The government’s press release states the system will feature advanced encryption and allow credentials to be revoked if a phone is lost or stolen. The government also claims that this policy will decrease document counterfeiting and fraud, while streamlining bureaucracy.
Supporters highlight international examples. Estonia, Denmark, Australia and India have seen efficiency gains, and reduced fraud through digital ID systems. Proponents in the UK also believe it could simplify everyday processes.
However, critics have raised major concerns. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the plan would “do nothing to stop the boats” while increasing risks for “law-abiding citizens,” as reported by the BBC . The situation became “laughable” according to Reform UK because cash-based employment enables illegal work to exist, as reported by Reuters .
Civil liberties groups, including Liberty and Big Brother Watch, warn of “mass surveillance” and a loss of freedoms, reported the BBC. Some citizens worry it will force people to own smartphones or become “a hacker’s dream” by concentrating sensitive data in one place, as noted by The Guardian .
Some in the tech sector have also questioned feasibility. A professional software developer said: “I put the odds that the UK government will be able to pull off this enormous centralised IT scheme without scandal at about 0%. I have no confidence in the government’s ability to resist the honeyed words of American tech giants,” reported The Guardian.
They added that only a few major firms could handle such a database at speed, raising concerns for “digital sovereignty and data protection.”
The government says a consultation later this year will consider inclusion for people without smartphones, with legislation expected early next year.
