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Computer hacker via Shutterstock

LivingSocial website hack targeted thousands of Irish users

Data Protection Commissioner knew about the cyber attack two weeks ago.

ALMOST HALF A million users of online discount website LivingSocial.com had their personal account details hacked two weeks ago.

The Data Protection Commissioner’s office confirmed it received details of the cyber attack which affected 450,000 Irish users on 26 April.

When asked by TheJournal.ie what action was taken following the serious data protection issue, a spokeswoman said the information was available on the Data Protection Commissioner’s website for individuals affected since the 29 April.

On 26 April, LivingSocial released a statement on its website advising 50 million customers there had been cyber attack on the company’s computer system.

The website warned customers their names, email addresses, date of birth and some passwords had been targeted by hackers.  However, the company said credit card details had not been affected.

“LivingSocial recently experienced a cyber-attack on our computer systems that resulted in unauthorised access to some customer data from our servers. We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate this issue.”

On the same day, the company contacted the Data Protection Commissioner to advise that data belonging to Irish customers had been compromised by hackers.

Three days later, the Commissioner’s office issued a statement on its website warning customers to change their passwords “as soon as possible” on other applications as they may be open to attacks by cyber criminals.

A spokeswoman said: “The company have made a report to us and we’ve asked questions to seek further clarification on what has happened. We will assess if there is any issue under the Data Protection Act and take action if necessary.

“It’s ongoing at the moment so I can’t say what is going to arise from the result of their replies.

“Our main advice was that people should be aware of what fields were compromised and that there is no evidence that any loss has been incurred in relation to individuals yet.”

Gardaí said they would not be investigating the attack as the company is based outside its jurisdiction.

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    Mute Beachmaster
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    Aug 30th 2016, 10:09 AM

    A brave man. His family and friends should be very proud of him.

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    Mute Patrick Watson
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    Aug 30th 2016, 10:23 AM

    RIP. Another needless victim of radical Islam. Hopefully the journal won’t censor my condolences this time around.

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    Mute Brendan O'Brien
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    Aug 30th 2016, 12:01 PM

    More accurately, a victim of a gobsh*te with a knife.

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    Mute Brendan O'Brien
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    Aug 30th 2016, 12:07 PM
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    Mute A hater
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    Aug 30th 2016, 12:08 PM

    Yeah come on Patrick, gobsh*tes are well known to shout “Allahu Akbar” before stabbing someone in the face.

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    Mute Brendan O'Brien
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    Aug 30th 2016, 12:11 PM

    This one did. There is no evidence that he was even a practising Muslim.

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    Mute stevenocarroll
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    Aug 30th 2016, 5:09 PM

    @Brendan

    Was he ethnic French? Or was he some other ethnicity? With a different ethnic and cultural view and thus different outlook regarding the territory of France and westerners in general?

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    Mute Julian King
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    Aug 30th 2016, 10:11 AM

    He died brave.

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    Mute Paul Mc
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    Aug 30th 2016, 10:18 AM

    A very brave man,but is there not a legal case pending.

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    Mute A hater
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    Aug 30th 2016, 12:06 PM

    Sick of them yet?

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    Mute Fergal Barry
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    Aug 30th 2016, 4:40 PM

    So we can comment on this story even though someone has been arrested and charged. The Journal policies are fickle at best.

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