TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor has suffered a data breach at its Viator tour-booking and review website.

An estimated 1.4 million Viator customers are potentially affected by the compromise, which the firm admits may have exposed payment card data.

The compromise also potentially aired the email address, password and Viator "nickname" associated with accounts. Viator only became aware of the breach after investigators looking into incidents of credit card fraud made the link that victims were also users of its site.

TripAdvisor needs to take a look at its reviews process, since it seems it can be too easily manipulated.

The problem has come to light in New Zealand after a motel keeper in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati took issue with comments published online by a disgruntled customer. Motel keepers say "malicious" online reviews are a growing problem, as customers are increasingly use threats to seek refunds or free upgrades.