Our top 50 passwords: What the Gawker hack revealed

Global fast-food giant McDonald’s and world-famous entertainment blog, Gawker, have both admitted that hackers had helped themselves to data about people who take part in their offerings.

Gawker Media said hackers looted passwords from servers handling nine of its websites including Gizmodo and Fleshbot. People who log-in at Gawker Media online properties were advised to change passwords immediately.

“We’re deeply sorry for and embarrassed about this breach of security and of trust,” Gawker said in a message posted online.

“We’re working around the clock to ensure our security (and our commenters’ account security) moving forward.”

A group calling itself “Gnosis” claimed responsibility for the Gawker hack, according to the New York based Internet firm.

McDonald’s was quick to note that no financial or sensitive personal information was swiped by the hackers who broke into computer systems operated by an outside firm used to manage a customer email database.

“Limited customer information collected in connection with certain McDonald’s websites and promotions was obtained by an unauthorised third party,” McDonald’s said.

“The limited information includes what was required to confirm the customer’s age, methods to contact the customer, and other general preference information.”

No evidence available on Monday indicated links to hacker attacks launched in support of whistle-blower website WikiLeaks.

McDonald’s said it is taking the data breach seriously and working with law enforcement agencies to identify the culprits. – AFP