WH Smith leak: Customers details leaked after 'processing bug'

WHSmith customers were hit by a computer bug

A PROCESSING 'bug' has resulted in the personal details of dozens of WH Smith customers accidentally being sent out to others.

 

The retailer apologised after email addresses and telephone numbers were sent to others on its mailing list.

 

WHSmith stressed that it was the result of a processing problem with its contractor I-subscribe, not a hack. It added that password and payment details were not affected.

The error saw information entered on the "contact us" form on its website wrongly emailed out, reportedly to WH Smith's entire mailing list. The retailer could not confirm the extent of the emails sent out.

Some those who received the emails took to Twitter to raise concerns.

One said: "Anyone else getting dozens of emails via WHSmith contact form? Including phone numbers."

 

We have been alerted to a systems processing bug by I-subscribe, who manage our magazine subscriptions. It is a bug not a data breach

WHSmith

 

WH Smith said: "We have been alerted to a systems processing bug by I-subscribe, who manage our magazine subscriptions. It is a bug not a data breach.

"We believe that this has impacted fewer than 40 customers who left a message on the Contact Us page where this bug was identified, that has resulted in some customers receiving emails this morning that have been misdirected in error.

"I-subscribe have immediately taken down their Contact Us online form which contains the identified bug, while this is resolved. I-subscribe are contacting the customers concerned to apologise for this administrative processing error.

"We can confirm that this issue has not impacted or compromised any customer passwords or payment details and we apologise to the customers concerned."