Paddy Power and Betfair users warned of 'email danger' after breach

Paddy Power and Betfair, two popular online betting companies, have warned some of their customers to be extra careful after a major data breach. Flutter Entertainment, the company that owns these brands, confirmed that up to 800,000 users may have had their personal information exposed in a recent cyberattack. The information that was accessed includes email addresses, IP addresses, and details about users' online activities. While the company has reassured customers that no passwords, identification documents, or payment details like credit card numbers were stolen, they still recommend that everyone stays alert for suspicious activity.

Flutter Entertainment operates several well-known betting brands in the UK and Ireland, including Sky Bet and Tombola, and has around 4. 2 million active users each month. After discovering the breach, the company quickly took steps to contain the incident and provided advice to affected customers about how to stay safe online. They told users that there is nothing they need to do immediately, but they should remain vigilant and watch out for any unusual emails or messages.

Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns that the stolen data could be used in targeted phishing attacks. These are scams where criminals send emails that look very convincing and personal, trying to trick people into giving away more information or even money. Harley Morlet, a cybersecurity expert, explained that with the help of artificial intelligence, hackers can now create large numbers of fake emails that seem very real. People who spend a lot of money on gambling sites could be especially at risk, as scammers might try to tempt them with offers or messages that seem tailored to their interests.

Tim Rawlins, another security expert, warned that customers should be cautious if they receive emails that mention their betting habits or ask them to click on links or provide credit card information. He said that if an email offer seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam. Rawlins also noted that phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot, especially with the use of AI.

The company and security professionals are urging everyone to be careful and not to trust emails that ask for personal or financial information. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links or share your details. Instead, contact the company directly to check if the message is real. By staying alert and following these tips, customers can help protect themselves from online scams and keep their information safe.