Virgin Net pulls its email service over security fears

NEWS Following an attack by a hacker last week, Virgin Net has taken down email services for around one quarter of its subscribers. The ISP said it spotted a potential email security breach on Thursday 6 January and on the evening of Saturday 8 January took the decision to disable incoming mail and the uploading of data to Virgin Net hosted Web pages. Users have still been able to access the Web and send email. Virgin customers are now advised to go to the http://www.virgin.net Web site and follow instructions to change their password. Alternatively, Virgin customer support can be called on 0845 650 0000. Lines have been reported as being continually busy, despite Virgin asking extra staff to man the phones. Virgin Net said all affected account holders have been informed of what they need to do to reactivate their accounts. However, one subscriber told Silicon.com: "I haven't had a call from anyone, and how are they supposed to send an email to me if that's the problem?"