Ashley Madison Data Breach

It has been reported that hackers have been able to gain access into the Ashley Madison database, and have reportedly stolen the names and the addresses, along with other personal information about the users. It has been reported that the hackers have released a small amount of this user information already, and have allegedly threatened to release more information if the Ashley Madison site and a similar site named Established Men, are not taken down. It has also been reported that Ashley Madison and Established Men are both owned by a firm known as Avid Life Media (ALM). It is reported that the hackers have alleged that AshleyMadison promised to erase user information for a fee, but that AshleyMadison reportedly did not actually erase the real names and addresses of users.

If you or anyone you know has either used or created a profile on the dating website AshleyMadison.com, then you may be part of a class action lawsuit. An investigation into this matter is ongoing. Please contact us at (213) 217-5019.

Background

AshleyMadison.com is reportedly a dating website for those looking to have affairs outside of their marriage. It is reported that the company’s slogan is “Life is short. Have an affair.” It is also alleged that AshleyMadison.com may have over 37 million users, with most users reportedly located in the United States and Canada.

It is reported that AshleyMadison.com is owned by a Canadian based firm known as Avid Life Media. The other site which is also reportedly similar in nature, is also reportedly owned by Avid Life Media. This site is known as Established Men.

Ashley Madison Database Breach

A data breach occurs when a person who does not have permission to access certain information of another, is able to view or access that information. A well known type of data breach occurs when hackers are able to hack into computer systems and target personal information, for example.

In this case, the hackers have allegedly said that they decided to publish the user information because Ashley Madison reportedly did not delete user information when it allegedly told users that their personal information would be deleted.

It is reported that Ashley Madison allowed users to pay a 19 dollar fee in order to use Ashley Madison’s alleged “full delete” option. The hackers allegedly claim that the “full delete” option would delete the user history on the site, along with any information that would reportedly personally identify the user. It is reported that the hackers stated that AshleyMadison did not actually delete all of the personal user information, such as a user’s real name or real address.

Further, it has been reported that the hackers have instructed Avid Life Media, who owns Ashley Madison and Established Men, to permanently take down both sites. It is alleged that the hackers have stated if the sites are not taken down, they will continue to release the stolen personal data of the customers, including actual user names and addresses, along with credit card transactions, and other personal information compromised, such as the information users have reportedly posted on the Ashley Madison website.

It has also been reported that as of now, it appears only a small amount of the account data of AshleyMadison users has been leaked.

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