Large online dating site AdultFriendFinder confirms data breach
One of the largest online dating sites, the 64 million-member AdultFriendFinder.com, has contacted law enforcement and high-profile security firm FireEye to investigate a data breach.
Information including sexual preference, marital status and other personal data (dates of birth, email addresses and addresses) for as many as 4 million members may have been stolen, according to U.K. news agency Channel 4, which first reported the incident.
The news outlet made the discovery as part of an investigation into the "dark web" ad less visible subset of the Internet where criminals trade in illicit goods.
AdultFriendFinder, which promises the ability to "Hookup, Find Sex or Meet Someone Hot Now," as well as share video cams and chat online, is part of Sunnyvale, Calif-based FriendFinder Networks, which touts 600 million-plus members on more than 40,000 sites.
The company confirmed to USA TODAY that it has "begun working closely with law enforcement and launched a comprehensive investigation with the help of leading third-party forensics expert, Mandiant."
Mandiant is owned by FireEye, which has been engaged in recent major breaches at CareFirst, Target, JP Morgan Chase, Sony Pictures and Anthem.
"FriendFinder Networks Inc. has only just been made aware of this potential issue and understands and fully appreciates the seriousness of the issue," the company said.
Neither the company nor FireEye would comment on the size of the breach or what regions the affected members reside in. "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," FriendFinder's statement continued.
"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," it said.
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