Angling Direct regains control of website after cyber attack

Angling Direct – the UK’s leading fishing tackle retailer – has regained control of its website following a system breach that saw visitors being redirected to a porn site.

The attackers obtained log-in credentials for its Twitter and other social media accounts on Friday and announced that the fishing gear seller had been sold to MindGeek, the company behind Pornhub, adding that Angling Direct customers were entitled to a free subscription to the adult site.

Threatpost, an independent news site which is a leading source of information on IT and business security, reports that the attackers did not make any specific demands for a ransom or indicate what they wanted in return for the stolen data.

Yesterday an Angling Direct spokesman confirmed to Threatpost that after engaging with its advisers and providers, it had managed to take back control of its website. “The process will take some time to flow through in all areas, but it is underway.”

Angling Direct said in its statement to the London Stock Exchange yesterday that both law enforcement and regulators have been alerted to the breach and potential exposure of personal data.

“We are mindful of our obligations regarding data. It is too soon yet to make any determination around the impact this incident has had on personal data, but we will inform any individuals in line with our regulatory obligations should there be a need to do so,” the statement said. “Importantly, the company does not hold any customer financial data as our website transactions are handled by third parties.”