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VTech suspends its app store following hack

Toy manufacturer VTech has suspended its Learning Lodge app store following a security breach.

VTech confirmed the hack took place on November 14. The Learning Lodge – which stocks apps, games, music and books for toys made by VTech – has been suspended all around the world as “an additional precautionary measure”, VTech said.

According to an update on the company’s website, about 5 million customer accounts and related kids profiles around the world were affected. Data stolen includes names, genders and birthdates of children, plus email addresses, passwords, secret questions, IP addresses, mailing addresses and download histories.

However, VTech insists no customer bank details were stolen.

“It is important to note that our customer database does not contain any credit card information and VTech does not process nor store any customer credit card data on the Learning Lodge website,” reads a statement from VTech.

“The investigation continues as we look at additional ways to strengthen our Learning Lodge database security. We are committed to protecting our customer information and their privacy, to ensure against any such incidents in the future.”

Read more: CogniToys: The smart toys that can hold a conversation

If you have any questions concerning the breach, you can contact VTech on consumer_services@vtech.com

VTech is just the latest firm to fall victim to hackers. In recent weeks TalkTalk had millions of customer details stolen. So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the hack. At around the same time, Vodafone also had thousands of customers’ bank details stolen in a similar attack.

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