Jobs.ie probe as hackers access users’ personal details

THE internet recruitment service Jobs.ie sent a report to the Data Protection Commissioner yesterday after hackers gained illegal access to users’ personal details.

The company confirmed an investigation is under way, after a breach of the Jobs.ie system was discovered last Thursday.

Jobs.ie closed the security breach and has set up an investigation which it estimates will take a number of weeks.

The hackers had downloaded a small number of Curriculum Vitaes (CVs).

A statement from Jobs.ie said a help-line has been set up for anybody concerned about their details.

It said those affected should take extra care when opening or responding to any unusual email contact.

“All the people affected have been contacted and informed of the situation. We have urged them to exercise extra vigilance with inbound emails in the coming weeks,” it said.

In a statement yesterday, the Data Protection Commissioner welcomed the prompt actions of Jobs.ie to contact those affected and investigate what went wrong.

“[The investigation] will seek to establish the security procedures that were in place at the time of the incident and will make recommendations, as appropriate, in relation to future security procedures and any other issues to ensure that the company is complying with its data protection obligations to keep personal information in its possession secure.

The commissioner advised that anyone affected “should not give out any personal information about themselves on foot of such contact if they have any concern at all about the source”.

A dedicated 24-hour help-line has been opened to deal with individual concerns the number is 01-6808699 or email [e-mail].

Jobs.ie also advised its customers not to give out personal banking information, avoid sharing password details and delete any suspicious email, especially if they come with a .exe attachment.