Office customers forced to change passwords after hack

British shoe retailer Office has reset all passwords on its website, after a hack reportedly exposed sensitive customer data.

Office emailed its online customers yesterday, informing them that a security breach had resulted in unauthorised access to any accounts created before August 2013. Hackers were reportedly able to access names, addresses, email addresses, birth dates and months (but not years), passwords and phone numbers.

"We became aware of a potential breach on May 22nd 2014. After extensive investigations we were able to confirm this on May 26th 2014. We have acted as quickly as possible to inform you," Office chief executive Brian McCluskey said in an email to customers.

"We have reset your current password for you to protect your Office account. You can create your new password by logging on to the Office website and using the 'forgot your password' link."

The retailer stressed that no credit card, debit card, PayPal or bank details had been compromised. However, it said that any customers who use the same password on other sites should change those too.