Hackers leak children’s data in massive daycare breach

In recent years, data breaches targeting schools, healthcare providers and childcare services have been in the headlines, exposing sensitive personal information and leaving families vulnerable. Now, a new breach has emerged that targets a daycare chain. Kido, which operates in the US, UK, China and India, reportedly had confidential data stolen from thousands of children. Names, photos, addresses, dates of birth, parents’ details and even security notes and medical records were allegedly accessed by a hacking group called Radiant.

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According to reports, the Radiant hacker group claims to have stolen data related to around 8,000 children. To prove possession, they posted samples, including photos and profiles of ten children, on a darknet website. They then issued a ransom demand, threatening to release more sensitive information unless Kido paid. In addition to directly attacking the daycare chain, Radiant allegedly called some of the children’s parents, pressuring them to pressure Kido into paying the ransom.

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When questioned about their actions, the group defended their tactics as a form of “penetration testing” for which they supposedly deserved compensation. This defense is misleading, as such testing requires explicit permission from the targeted organization or participation in an official bug bounty program. Without that consent, these actions are illegal and deeply unethical.

Why is this attack so disturbing?

The Kido breach is alarming for several reasons. First, it involves children’s data, which is particularly sensitive and legally protected in most countries. Second, the attackers combined traditional data theft with intimidation tactics by contacting parents directly. History suggests that once criminals gain access to this information, attacks could increase.

Breaches like this highlight how personal and digital security are intertwined. The potential misuse of data goes beyond simple identity theft. It can affect children’s safety, family privacy and long-term well-being. With attackers leveraging stolen data and psychological pressure on parents, the threat is particularly potent and long-lasting.

7 steps parents can take to protect their children’s data

While the investigation into the Kido breach is ongoing, parents and schools can take immediate steps to protect children’s data and reduce the risk of further exploitation. Here is a detailed guide:

1) Monitor your child’s online accounts regularly

Log in to the email, school portals, and cloud storage accounts linked to your child. Look for unusual activity such as unrecognized logins, password changes, or new connected devices. Set up notifications for account activity whenever possible to be instantly alerted if something suspicious happens.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts

Adding 2FA creates an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker has a password, he will not be able to access the account without the second verification step. Most email providers, school portals, and messaging platforms support this, and it’s a simple step that dramatically improves security.

3) Consider a personal data removal service

Data brokerage sites often collect names, addresses and other personal data that hackers can use. Services that remove your child’s information from these databases can make it harder for attackers to find and exploit sensitive data.

Although no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data removal service is indeed a smart choice. They are not cheap and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you, actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to delete your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing breach data with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free check to find out if your personal information is already on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com/Delete

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4) Use identity theft protection services

These services can continually check your child’s personal information online and alert you if their data appears on suspicious websites or the dark web. This early warning allows you to take action before criminals try to exploit you.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information such as your social security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at CyberGuy.com/IdentityTheft

5) Install antivirus software on all devices

A strong antivirus program protects devices against malware, phishing scams, and suspicious scripts. It is particularly important on devices that children use to access school portals or personal accounts. This ensures that if a hacker tries to use malware to gain deeper access, they will be blocked.

The best way to protect yourself against malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for 2025’s best antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

6) Use a secure email provider for confidential communications

For communications with schools, healthcare providers, or any service that handles sensitive information about children, consider using an email service that offers strong encryption and built-in spoofing protection. This makes it more difficult for attackers to impersonate a school or parent.

For recommendations on private, secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit CyberGuy.com/Mail

7) Educate your children about online safety

Teach children not to share personal information online, including photos, addresses or school details. Encourage them to report anything suspicious and explain why it’s important to keep their login information private.

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Kurt’s main lesson

Data breaches targeting children are particularly concerning because they can have lasting consequences. The Kido incident is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive digital security measures for families. While organizations are responsible for protecting sensitive data, parents can take meaningful steps to monitor, protect and respond to potential threats.

Have you reviewed what personal information about your child is online? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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