Not So Secret, After All: Ashley Madison Hack Reminds Users That There's No Such Thing As Privacy Online Ashley Madison, the now-beleaguered online dating portal for people already in committed relationships, has now become the world's most famous un-kept secret.

By Tamara Clarke Edited by Aby Sam Thomas

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

Ashley Madison, the now-beleaguered online dating portal for people already in committed relationships, has now become the world's most famous un-kept secret. The site, whose tagline is "Life's short, have an affair," was recently hacked, exposing private data belonging to millions of its users. The news reports of the size of the hack vary from 30 million users to 37 million users, and at the time of writing, class-action lawsuits against the parent company behind AshleyMadison.com had also been filed. The hack has been attributed to competitors, "the morality police," and there's even speculation of an internal leak. Regardless of how it happened, Internet users should beware: whether you're shopping online for a used car or a tryst with someone else's spouse, your digital footprint is not private and never truly safe.

Tamara Clarke

Columnist

Tamara Clarke, a former software development professional, is the tech and lifestyle enthusiast behind The Global Gazette, one of the most active blogs in the Middle East. The Global Gazette has been welcomed and lauded by some of the most influential tech brands in the region. Clarke’s goal is to inform about technology and how it supports our lifestyles. See her work both in print regional publications and online on her blog where she discusses everything from how a new gadget improves day-to-day life to how to coordinate your smartphone accessories. Visit www.theglobalgazette.com and talk to her on Twitter @TamaraClarke. #TamTalksTech 
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

The Recap: Sustainability Innovation Forum and Awards 2025

The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are committed to shaping a sustainable corporate future in the Middle East—one where innovation meets accountability.

Business News

Low Cost Business Ideas

Looking on how to start a small business but don't have much money? Our low cost startup ideas will help you plan a business to fit your budget.

Side Hustle

He Spent $36 to Start a Side Hustle. Now the Business Earns 6 Figures a Year — With Just 1-2 Hours of Work a Day: 'Freedom.'

Dennis Tinerino, 39, was working in online sales when he discovered an intriguing earning opportunity.

Marketing

How to Send the Right Message

Make over your brand using these smart tips.

Science & Technology

Use App Indexing to Boost Your Google Ranking

The latest changes from Google are an opportunity for mobile marketers to climb past their compettion.