Booking.com has confirmed that hackers may have accessed customer data, including names, emails, addresses and booking details. In a notification to users, the company stated that 'unauthorized third parties' had potential access to personal information shared with accommodations.

The breach was triggered by a phishing message sent via WhatsApp two weeks ago, prompting TechCrunch to speculate on how hackers are using stolen data to target customers. The spokesperson declined to provide specific details about affected users and the extent of the breach.

While financial information was not compromised, the company has taken measures including updating PIN numbers for reservations. This incident highlights the ongoing threat to personal data in a digital age, especially as 6.8 billion bookings have been made since 2010 on this platform alone.

The breach comes after TechCrunch reported hackers had infected hotel computers with consumer-grade spyware, or stalkerware, in one case capturing screenshots of victims accessing Booking.com portals.