National Lottery: Hackers obtain players’ details, Camelot admits

Data breach: the National Lottery
Yui Mok/PA Wire
Justin Davenport30 November 2016

Thousands of National Lottery players have had their online accounts hacked after its website was targeted by cyber-criminals, bosses admitted today.

Operator Camelot revealed its National Lottery website had been targeted and that around 26,500 players may have had personal details “accessed” by hackers — with some being changed.

The company said no money had been taken out of or put into customer accounts. But it warned players on Twitter that — as well as their name, date of birth, account preferences and transaction history — those with debit cards registered may have had the last four digits of the card number and the expiry date accessed, while those who have a direct debit set up may have had the sort code and last four digits of their bank account accessed.

The National Lottery operator said it became aware of “suspicious activity” on a number of players’ online National Lottery Accounts on Monday. Camelot said: “Of our 9.5 million registered online players, we believe around 26,500 players’ accounts were accessed.

“A much smaller number — fewer than 50 — have had some activity take place within the account since it was accessed. This was limited to some of their personal details being changed. However, we have taken the measure of suspending the accounts of these players and are in the process of contacting them to help them re-activate their accounts securely.

“In addition, we have instigated a compulsory password reset on the accounts of the 26,500 affected players. We are in the process of contacting them to help them change their passwords, as well as giving them some more general online security advice.”

Camelot clarified that there has been no unauthorised access to core National Lottery systems or any of its databases, which would affect National Lottery draws or payment of prizes.

Camelot believes the email address and password used on the National Lottery website might have been stolen from another website where affected players use the same details.

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