Hackers expose dating site users' secret details
The hidden sexual preferences, orientations and even extra-marital affairs of millions of dating site users have been leaked online.
Almost four million Adult Friend Finder users have had their personal details revealed on a darkweb forum by hackers, who now say they intend to use the information against the site’s members.
Britain’s Channel 4 reports the data includes everything from IP and email addresses to sexual preferences and even whether or not the members had been seeking extra-marital affairs. Their history of connections with other members may also be among the leaked information.
Within hours of the leaks appearance on a hidden web forum, spam emails containing viruses and other malicious software started arriving in users’ email inboxes.
And given the sensitivity of the data, cyber crime experts are warning extortion and blackmail attempts are likely to follow as opportunistic hackers and cyber-bullies seek to exploit users.
Not just criminals are looking at profiting from the leaks. Punters in Australia are also starting to check out the betting on which major sporting codes and celebrities are favourites to become engulfed in online dating scandals in the wake of the release.
Rugby league is the odds on favourite, according to Sports Bet, at $2.75, followed by the AFL.
Socialite Gabi Grecko leads the individual betting at $5 with Shane Warne and Kyle Sandilands also looking at short odds, the betting agency says.
The California-based dating site has acknowledged the security breach in a statement which said it had only just become aware of the situation.
"We have already begun working closely with law enforcement and have launched a comprehensive investigation with the help of leading third-party forensics expert, Mandiant,” the statement read.
"Until the investigation is completed, it will be difficult to determine with certainty the full scope of the incident, but we will continue to work vigilantly to address this potential issue and will provide updates as we learn more from our investigation.
"We cannot speculate further about this issue, but rest assured, we pledge to take the appropriate steps needed to protect our customers if they are affected."
According to adultfriendfinder.com, the site boasts more than 40 million users and, unlike some dating sites claim to help people find love, Adult Friend Finder appears to have a different mission.
“Launched in 1996, AdultFriendFinder.com has been live and introducing people through adult dating for over 15 years. AFF has over 40 million single, swinger, straight, gay and transgender members,” the site reads.
“There are many local sex partners to choose from right in your town or city! Not only will you find online adult friends, but also horny matches and f--- buddies.”
Channel 4 says it uncovered the leak during a series of investigations into a hidden part of the internet known as the "dark web".
The dark web, also called the deep web, is a network of unindexed sites that can not be found via conventional search engines. It is home to large numbers of hackers, online drugs and weapons dealers, and even hitmen and pedophiles.
Morning news break – May 22
