Security News > 2023 > September > Freecycle gives users the gift of a security breach notice

Freecycle, the charity aimed at recycling detritus that would otherwise be headed for landfill, has become the latest organization to suffer at the hands of cyber attackers and admit to a breach.

Executive director Deron Beal said: "The data breach includes usernames, User IDs, email addresses and hashed passwords."

In a separate notification, Freecycle said UK data watchdog ICO and "The appropriate US authorities" were informed.

While Freecycle did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding how the data was accessed, Beal warned members: "Please remain vigilant of phishing emails, avoid clicking on links in emails, and don't download attachments unless you are expecting them."

Data from the breach, including Beal's own credentials, reportedly turned up on hacking forums before Freecycle posted its notification.

Beal kicked off US-based Freecycle in 2003, aimed at recycling items for free rather than throwing them away.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/09/05/freecycle_becomes_the_latest_data/