Private information of around 500,000 users of Guardian Newspaper's jobs site is feared to have been tapped by hackers who attacked the website recently in a way which is being described as "sophisticated and deliberate". While not all the users are at risk, if the reports are to be believed, a large number of them certainly are. Official emails to those at potential risk have already been sent out.

Send out on Saturday, the e-mail detailed that the site had been attacked and information contained in various job applications "may have been accessed". The New Scotland Yard has been entrusted with investigating the case.

The US version of the site is reportedly safe, only the UK website seems to have been targeted. All financial information, however, seems to be safe, but authorities are still worried as even simple information contained in CVs and cover letters can provide all the data needed for identity theft.

The Guardian Newspapers case is not stand alone. Earlier, hackers have targeted major job sites such as Monster. com. Data stolen from resumes submitted is mostly used for ID fraud as well as personalized email scams.