Sun online readers warned after personal details hacked

News International has contacted readers of the Sun website to warn that details given when entering competitions and polls online may have been taken by hackers.

The publisher claims customer information such as names and contact details was breached following an attack on the site on 18-19 July, for which hacking collective LulzSec took responsibility.

Over the past few days a Twitter user, who claims not to be part of LulzSec, started to publish what they claim are samples from files showing the details entered by readers for competitions and polls.

In a statement, News International said it takes customer data "extremely serious" and is working with the authorities to resolve the matter.

"We are directly contacting any customer affected by this," a spokesman added.

It is understood no financial or billing information is thought to have been compromised. News International has contacted users of the site who may have been affected.

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