Hackers post details of infidelity website users
Print Edition
Hackers have released stolen information from some 32 million users of the affair website Ashley Madison, security experts said yesterday.
The data dump was first reported by Wired magazine, which said the post on the “dark web” included millions of payment transactions, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of people who were registered on the infidelity dating site.
Experts said the files appeared to be from Ashley Madison, and that the release could have far-reaching implications.
“The database dump appears to be legitimate and contains usernames, passwords, credit card data (last four numbers), street addresses, full names, and much, much more,” said Dave Kennedy at the security firm TrustedSec.
Independent security researcher Graham Cluley said the leak could be catastrophic for members of the website.
“It’s easy to imagine that some people might be vulnerable to blackmail, if they don’t want details of their membership or sexual proclivities to become public,” Cluley said.
The release comes a month after the data was stolen by hackers identified as the “Impact Team,” who allegedly tried to shut the site for cheaters down “immediately permanently.”
The group threatened to release customers records, nude pictures and conversations if the site wasn’t closed.
Ashley Madison’s website is known for its slogan “Life is short. Have an affair.” It helps connect people seeking to have extramarital relationships and is owned by Toronto-based Avid Life Media (ALM).
Hackers seemed to follow through on their threat with a 9.7 gigabyte dump, Wired reported.
“We have explained the fraud, deceit, and stupidity of ALM and their members. Now everyone gets to see their data,” the group reportedly wrote in its data dump Tuesday.
Avid Life Media said it was “actively monitoring and investigating this situation.”
An investigation is being led by Canadian police and the American FBI, the company added.
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