Hacker Compromises CD Universe

Online entertainment network eUniverse Inc. has confirmed the theft of data-allegedly as many as 300,000 credit card numbers-from the company's online music retailer subsidiary CD Universe by a hacker who posted the numbers on the Web after the company refused to pay a $100,000 ransom. The FBI shut the CD Universe Web site down on January 7 after launching an investigation into the crime. Wallingford, Conn.-based eUniverse says it is taking steps to secure its customers' information as it investigates the facts behind the loss of data. It has retained a major technology security firm to review its security procedures, and it is working with the major credit card companies to limit any losses or inconvenience associated with the theft of data.