Cyber Cheating on Your Spouse Just Doesn’t Pay

When I was a kid, my mother would always tell me it doesn’t pay to sneak around because I would always get caught. Never has this advice rang so true as when I read about a website for married people seeking affairs that was hacked this week. (Karma?)

Avid Life Media, which owns Toronto based site AshleyMadison.com, announced it had experienced a cyber attack after hackers claimed to have stolen confidential customer information, and threatened to publish the information if the company was not shut down. The company, which claims to have over 37 million anonymous members worldwide (maybe I am naïve, but that sounds like a lot of unhappily married people), uses the slogan, “Life is short. Have an affair.” Do you think there are 37 million people worried right now that their nefarious behavior will become public knowledge?

Ashley Madison issued a statement apologizing for this criminal intrusion. They say they have closed the unauthorized access points, and are working with law enforcement to catch those responsible. Ashley Madison should look on the bright side. I doubt their customers will sue them. Why would anyone file a lawsuit, and publicize they were using Ashley Madison to sneak around on their spouse?

Written by: Richard Sheinis, Esq.