Two people have been arrested over a cyber attack which targeted a London-based nursery chain.
Kido, which has 18 branches in and around London, was hit by the ransomware attack last month.
The photos, names and addresses of around 8,000 children and parents’ details were reportedly stolen in the attack.
It is understood that a cybercriminal gang used the information to attempt to extort the nursery chain.
Some hackers even called parents directly by phone as part of their ransom efforts.
The two men, aged 17 and 22, were arrested after Metropolitan Police officers visited properties in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.
They were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse and blackmail and taken to custody where they remain for questioning.
Will Lyne, the Met’s head of economic and cybercrime, said: “Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.
“We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.
"We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.
“These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
The Met’s enquiries remain ongoing.
