Jamie Oliver
The Naked Chef Jamie Oliver slices fish during an appearance on NBC's ''Today'' show in Miami Beach, Florida February 22, 2008. REUTERS/ERIC THAYER

Jamie Oliver’s website got hacked and all his visitors are becoming exposed to the virus as well. Hackers put a malicious code on the site, which is frequented by 10 million views monthly, and direct them to a site containing more viruses. Visitors can even expose their credit card information oblivious to being tricked.

Malwarebytes discovered malicious code has either been placed or an existing code has been exploited on famous British chef's websites, possibly affecting millions of visitors. As a result, visitors hoping to look at Jamie’s recipes could be directed by the codes to a Wordpress site containing a more malicious code. Ranking 515th in Britain, the website hack is no laughing matter because there are many potential visitors that could have been affected and tricked.

Getting directed elsewhere or getting the virus is more dangerous than one thinks. According to online security consultant Graham Cluley, hackers wittingly did this so that they could gain control of a user's system and direct fake searches. "In other words, you may think you're googling but, in fact, you are being redirected against your will to search results that earn the attackers affiliate cash," Graham told BBC. Apart from that, tricked visitors may also in the end lose money when their personal and financial information become exposed to the hackers. "In addition, you may find that you are tricked into installing bogus security updates on your computer or told to ring what is claimed to be technical support - although you would actually be speaking to scammers after your credit card details,” Graham added.

After the discovery of the hack, Jamie’s camp said the site was already cleaned. A spokesman apologised to the chefs fans, also said that the website is regularly checked and monitored for such Internet risks by an in-house tem as well as an independent party. The rep also said that so far, only ten people have reported being affected. The company’s team is also sure that no data has been compromised through this hack. Worried visitors are invited to write to the team using the contact form available on the site.

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