Hackers cop data from 4.5 Monster.uk users

LONDON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Personal information about millions of job seekers was stolen in one of the largest data thefts ever in Britain, an Internet job posting site said.

Hackers gained access to confidential details -- including names, passwords, e-mail addresses and demographic data -- that 4.5 million people provided Monster.co.uk, the online recruitment site, The Times of London reported Tuesday.

It is the most extensive breach of confidential data since the government's Revenue and Customs lost the details of 25 million child benefit recipients in 2007, the Times said.

Monster.com did not comment on the hack, but the British newspaper said it learned elsewhere personal information of millions of people could be downloaded in less an hour once a hacker gained access. On the site's home page was a message advising customers to change passwords immediately.

Security analysts told The Times data could be used by gangs to open bogus bank accounts or take out loans in the names of unsuspecting customers.

"It's a horrendous breach," said Graham Cluley of Sophos, an IT security firm. "The information they have can be used to cause all kinds of mischief."

The privacy watchdog Information Commissioner's Office said it would investigate.