The Guardian jobs website has been hacked, potentially putting around half a million users’ details at risk.

The Guardian’s job website has been targeted by computer hackers in what is being called a “sophisticated and deliberate” move, affecting approximately half a million users.

The hack into the UK newspaper’s website was discovered on Friday (23 October) and those who may have been affected have been emailed and notified.

The breach has been reported to the police and a full investigation is being undertaken by the e-crime unit at New Scotland Yard.

Some personal data is at risk and the threat of identity theft is now a worry for the many users affected. Some of the data stolen is up to two years old.

The Guardian said: “We have no reason to believe that any financial or bank data was compromised in this incident.”

According to the Guardian, only a minority of users are at risk and the US jobs site has not been affected.

In an email sent out to affected users, the Guardian suggested a number of precautionary measures including contacting creditors and checking credit reports.

Unfortunately, the measures suggested including checking your credit report and applying for CIFAS protective registration incur charges.

CIFAS protection costs £12 annually and places a notice on your credit file indicating that you may have been a victim of identity fraud, thus meaning any future applications will take longer to verify.

Many of the users affected are angry at the security breach. One Guardian jobs user said: “The idea that my personal details could now be in the hands of hackers is extremely frustrating but what is most aggravating is how the Guardian are dealing with the issue.

“Very little blame has been attributed to Madgex, the company that controls the database, and the steps that have been suggested by the Guardian should seemingly be taken at our own expense.”

According to the latest security update on the Guardian jobs website, the system is now secure.

In its statement on the website, the Guardian said: “We would like to assure you that we are absolutely committed to protecting the privacy of our users and we are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness.”