Names from cheating site leaked

Reports say the information includes names, payment transactions, street addresses and phone numbers of people who were registered on the infidelity dating site. 

Ashley Madison's website is known for its slogan "Life is short. Have an affair." In July, it was alleged that 175 000 South Africans were on that list. 

The hackers identified as the 'Impact Team' allegedly tried to shut the site for cheaters and therefore threatened to release customers records, nude pictures and conversations if the site wasn't closed.

It is reported to have released 9.7 gigabyte worth of data.

The company that owns the website, Avid Life Media have released a statement describing the leak as an act of criminality, saying they are investigating the incident.

It has added that the activities administered on the site were those of 'freethinking people who choose to engage in fully lawful online activities.'

(File photo: Getty Images)