The Liofa website set up by DCAL to promote the Irish language, has had a serious security fault.
A spokesperson said: “We recently became aware that the contact details of LÃofa participants were viewable on the LÃofa website via a search facility.
“The website was suspended immediately and, at this stage, there is no evidence that the database has been accessed by any third party.
“The details you were asked to provide when you registered with LÃofa were your name, email address, home address, age range, and whether or not you were attending Irish Language classes. It is this information which may have been accessible. The LÃofa website did not hold any other personal or financial information about you.
“We have asked accredited IT security experts to establish the full extent of the website’s vulnerabilities. Once we know what the problems are we will address them – and then we must have the website thoroughly checked and accredited before we bring it back online. In the meantime, the LÃofa website will not be available.
“:On behalf of LÃofa, I would like to apologise for this inconvenience and for any concern this development may have caused.
“If you require any further information or clarification, our two LÃofa Officers, Darren Ó Dochartaigh (028 9051 5008 – darren.odochtartaigh@dcalni.gov.uk) and Dean Sloan 028 9051 5058 – dean.sloan@dcalni.gov.uk) will be happy to speak to you.”
