The recent cyber-attack on the Kido International Day Nursery Group, which exposed sensitive data on around 8,000 children and their families, has sent shockwaves through the early years sector, raising urgent questions about data protection and safeguarding in childcare settings.
While Kido has confirmed that no ransom was paid and that it is working closely with authorities, the incident highlights the wider vulnerability of the childcare sector. Many providers operate on tight budgets and with limited IT expertise, leaving them potentially exposed to increasingly sophisticated attacks.
In response, the Welsh Government has issued the following guidance to settings in Wales:
- The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have created a webpage especially for childcare practitioners to help them improve their cyber resilience. Early Years practitioners: using cyber security to protect... - NCSC.GOV.UK
- Here's also a link to cyber security guidance published on Hwb for Early Years practitioners: using cyber security to protect your settings - Hwb
If you are worried about the security of your IT systems, and would like to speak to someone about this please get in touch with us at [email protected] or call 029 2045 1242