So was it a hack or software problem?

[judaspriest]

The forum says "Due to software problems / hack, our forum database had been corrupted."

So was it a hack or software problem, since these two are totally different problems and must be handled very differently.

If it was a hack, what was compromised? How were the user names and passwords, email addresses etc stored, and how much of that could be compromised?

I'm sure there are many here who use the same user name and password combination on other sites as well. Please keep us informed so that users can take quick action to avoid further account compromises elsewhere.

[Pal]

Found out that the hosting company deleted the DB and the backup accidentally!

We are demanding some sort of compensation for this blunder.

[seasider]

I hope you've changed hosts too, Pal.

(judaspriest - SE really can't be held responsible for users being slack with their passwords, can it?)

[Plavt]

(judaspriest - SE really can't be held responsible for users being slack with their passwords, can it?)

Precisely; if you use the same password/name combination on every site where security matters that is the individuals choice. I for one would never use my online banking passwords here.

[judaspriest]

Ah so it was not a malicious hack. Good.

As for usernames and passwords, I very clearly understand the need for users to be vigilant, but let's say you're signed in to 20 forums, what are the chances that you're going to have a different password for each forum? Highly unlikely. It is just human nature.