Second Life Alerts Members About Malicious Hacker

The request comes after a hacker accessed a database containing information about the Web site's users.

The database had names, addresses, passwords and encrypted credit card numbers.

Linden Lab, the company that developed Second Life, said a second database containing unencrypted credit card information was not breached.

The company found the security breach on September 6. Two days later, it sent an e-mail alerting members of the online world about the malicious hacking, and asking them to re-set their passwords.

Cory Ondrejka, the chief technology officer for Linden Lab, said in a statement, "While we realize this is an inconvenience for residents, we believe it's the safest course of action."

Second Life allows members to create their lives in another world. They can buy virtual land, build a home, or participate in activities they'd never try in their actual lives.

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