Adult Friend Finder Network

Six databases that were owned by Friend Finder Networks, Inc. suffered a massive data breach in 2016, which cost 412 million users their accounts. Not only were the usernames and passwords stolen, but 15 million deleted accounts were also included in the mix. Adult Friend Finder is an adult dating/entertainment website that calls itself the “world’s largest sex and swinger community.” Along with Adult Friend Finder, data accounts from Cams.com and Penthouse.com were also accessed in the data breach. A security researcher named “Revolver” first discovered the breach. In Friend Finder hack, sensitive data regarding member’s sexual preferences, extramarital affairs, and purchases made on the site was lost. This latest breach, however, appears to have only compromised accounts. Friend Finder executives have been slammed in the media for poor security practices, and they have not publicly commented on the data breach.

When Was the Adult Friend Finder Data Breach?

Adult Friend Finder Network Password

FriendFinder®, Friend Finder SM, FriendFinder Networks SM and the FriendFinder Networks logo are service marks of Various, Inc. This website is operated by Wight Enterprise Ltd. FriendFinder does not conduct criminal background screening of its members. Nov 14, 2016 Curiously, Penthouse.com was sold by Friend Finder Network Inc to a different company, Penthouse Global Media Inc., in February 2016, so some eyebrows may be raised as to how the hackers were able to steal information of Penthouse.com’s users from Friend Finder Network’s systems in October 2016.

• A researcher known for exposing application flaws posted screenshots showing Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities on Adult Friend Finder. The incident marks the second time in just over a year.
• FriendFinder®, Friend Finder SM, FriendFinder Networks SM and the FriendFinder Networks logo are service marks of Various, Inc. This website is operated by Wight Enterprise Ltd. Webmasters, Earn Money! Careers Download the All FriendFinder mobile app.

After investigating, cybersecurity officials believe the Adult Friend Finder data breach occurred before October 20, 2016. Friend Finder was warned by Revolver on October 18, 2016, about the potential vulnerability. Along with the accounts, evidence of source code from their websites and public/private key-pairs also showed up available online for purchase on the dark web.

How to Check if Your Victim of Adult Finder Hack

Adult Friend Finder Networking

The friend finder leak data contained usernames, email addresses, and passwords. There is no online method for looking up whether or not your data is on adult friend finder hack list, but if you are a member of FriendFinder.com, your user account was affected.

What to Do if Your Data Was Breached

The first thing you should do is change your password to something very secure. Use a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Some other precautions to take are:

• Be on the lookout for phishing emails. Your information could be used to intimidate you or extort money from you.

• Cancel any credit cards used on the website.

• If you used the same password on any other sites, change those as well.

• Keep an eye on your credit and sign up for credit monitoring with a company like IDStrong.com.

• Consider a credit freeze so no one can open up new accounts in your name.

Report the incident to Adult Friend Finder to let them know your information has been used for fraud or other illicit purposes.

Can Adult Friend Finder Hacked Information be Used for Identity Theft?

Due to the sensitive nature of the website content and purpose, the stolen accounts are more at risk than most others. In the theft, there were 78,301 who registered for the website using a military email address and another 5,650 that used a .gov (government worker) address. These members are at extreme risk of being extorted or having their identity stolen. For the millions of regular users, they too are in danger of phishing scams, viruses, malware attacks, and identity theft. The information ended up on the dark web and you should be aware that you may become a target because of this data breach. Be extra careful and learn what steps to take to protect yourself.

How to Prevent Data Breach

Adult Friend Finder Network

When signing up for an account with any type of website, you take a risk entering private information, even just your email address. To keep your life and your information private follow the steps below:

• Keep your computer and other devices updated with the latest operating system, security patches, and antivirus software. Run deep scans often.

• Use only one credit card online for purchases and check the monthly statement carefully.

• Never give out personal information online if you don’t have to.

• Monitor your credit reports and bank statements; look for fraudulent charges.

• Change your passwords often and make them very complicated.

• Watch for phishing or scam emails.

• Never click a link in email or open any attachments.

You cannot be too careful online. Always use common sense before entering information into a web page and look for security certificates before making any payments. Stay on top of data breaches and respond quickly if you are affected.