BIG HOSTING and domain name firm register.com sent an email to its customers saying a notebook containing credit card information was stolen.
The firm said that around two per cent of its customers were affected. The data on the laptop was password protected and the credit card number encrypted. In a letter it said: "We also believe that the laptop was stolen for its inherent value and not the data itself."

The firm said the notebook was stolen last Thursday but didn't say from where. It said that it had reported the theft to the cops.

It is also offering an Equifax credit watch silver identity theft protection service for 12 months. It said customers should also tell issuers of the credit card about the potential breach of security and check carefully statements for unusual activity