Web Hosting Talk Data Breach

▼ Key takeaways

•Reports suggest a potential breach involving Web Hosting Talk.
•Discovered on July 1, 2016.
•Possible data exposed: Usernames, Email addresses, IP addresses, Passwords (salted MD5 hashes).
•Confirmation level: Confirmed by company.

Breach confirmed

The Web Hosting Talk breach is confirmed. If you may be affected, add your details below and we will take it from there.

Detailed summary

In July 2016, the Web Hosting Talk forum, which is based on vBulletin, suffered a data breach. This incident was subsequently listed for sale and later added to Have I Been Pwned in December 2025. The breach exposed user records, including usernames, email addresses, IP addresses, and salted MD5 password hashes.

The breach affected an estimated 515,149 accounts. This incident did not involve Social Security numbers, medical records, or financial information. The specific U.S. states affected remain unclear, as the forum had a global user base with no state-level breakdown reported.

Details regarding official company statements, regulatory filings, or further remediation efforts have not been publicly confirmed. More information may emerge over time, and notification processes can sometimes be delayed.

Data possibly involved

Usernames
Email addresses
Increases risk of phishing attacks and account takeovers
IP addresses
Could be combined with other data for identity theft
Passwords (salted MD5 hashes)
Attackers may try to access other accounts using the same credentials

Breach Verification Status

Reports Only

Complete

Initial dark web reports of potential breach

Company Confirmed

Current

Company has acknowledged the breach

Regulator Confirmed

Confirmed by regulatory authorities

Note: Breach verification can take time. Information may evolve as more details become available from companies and regulators.

Case Status:

Monitoring

We're monitoring this situation for developments.

Were You Affected By This Breach?

If you are a customer or have received a data breach notification, you may submit your information as part of our ongoing investigation. Submitting your information is free and does not obligate you.

Were you in the Web Hosting Talk breach? Check your email

Free scan against known breach datasets. Then remove your info from data-broker sites with Data Shield.

No signup required. 30-second scan. Your email is only stored if you opt into alerts.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works

Check Your Risk Level

Answer a few questions to understand how this breach might affect you

Do you use Web Hosting Talk?

Yes

What should I do?

Change your passwords

Update passwords for the affected service and any accounts using the same password

Enable two-factor authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts

Monitor your accounts

Watch for suspicious activity on your financial and online accounts

Watch for phishing attempts

Be cautious of emails or messages claiming to be from the affected company

Consider a credit freeze

Prevent unauthorized access to your credit report

Scan your email for other exposures

Check whether this address shows up in other known breaches. Free, no account.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works