Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you’ll know about the massive Ashley Madison hack that has been rocking the Internet world. But some of the most shocking revelations from the incident go far beyond just the simple fact that someone was allegedly able to get hold of personal data from the 37 million users of the Toronto-based “dating” site that touts “Life is short. Have an affair.”
With that said, here are 5 particularly shocking facts about the hack.
1.Hackers claim to have data on former users
The hackers, known as the Impact Team, claim to not only have data on all active Ashley Madison users, but also data on tons of people who had left the site and closed their accounts. This brings up serious concerns over whether companies that claim to remove all traces of your account once you delete it actually do so. For the record, Ashley Madison released a statement that its process does include a true “hard-delete” of a requested user’s profile. That said, if the hackers are able to prove they have data on any “hard deleted” accounts, questions will be raised about how secure and finite that process really is.
2.Former users actually paid to have their data removed
What’s particularly troubling is that the aforementioned users reportedly paid a fee ($19) to have their accounts completed deleted. Following the hack, Avid Life Media (ALM), parent company to Ashley Madison, said it would remove the fee for its “hard delete” options so users could do so for free going forward. But this doesn’t remove the allegation from the hackers that those who already paid $19 did so for a service that may not have been as promised.
3.Two “average Joes” have become the first “victims”
Hacking used to be focused on exposing the rich, famous, or high-profile individuals or companies. But nowadays, hackers are acting as vigilantes, of sorts, with very different motives driven by personal views. In this case, the hacker group has expressed its distaste for Ashley Madison and the adultery it promotes (along with other sites like Established Men and Cougar Life, also owned by ALM), and is demanding theycease operation. Naturally, the hackers had to prove they had the information they are threatening to expose if demands aren’t met. And to do so, they released full profile information on two seemingly average Joes. Even when you think you’ll be of no interest to hackers (after all, what hacker will care about little old me and my online discretions?) think again. You could be made an example of simply to prove a point. Every needle in the haystack can be found.
4.Those two men may pursue legal action
The latest news is that the two men who have been outedcould seek legal action against Ashley Madison. Consider that the site prides itself on the utmost discretion. So to not only find out that this can be untrue, but to be publicly embarrassed by that very site, takes it to another level. And with an inevitable selection of those 37 million users falling into the wealthy and well-connected categories, chances are there will be a few with the means to fight the site. That said, as noted by the CBC quoting privacy lawyer David Fraser, such lawsuits likely wouldn’t fall in the “victim’s” favour unless they can tie the leak to some kind of significant financial loss as damages. (One could argue, though, that an expensive divorce might meet such criteria, though really it was the infidelity that caused the breakdown, not the leak. But I digress…)
5.That people trusted one site with such sensitive information
It’s one thing to share personal photos and status updates on a site like Facebook and Instagram, believing it’s somewhat secure but knowing in the back of your mind that it isn’t quite as secure as you’d like. It’s another to put the utmost trust in a single Website, believing that information as critically sensitive as indiscretions and private sexual desires would be protected for a simple subscription fee. But clearly, millions put their faith in Ashley Madison. This hack will undoubtedly have people rethinking their views of online privacy, the information they share online, and the potential to be hacked. Regardless of how insignificant one might seem in the grand scheme of things, and how much a site may pride itself on discretion.
