We received and forward GESIS’ message to the EVS data users.

“Dear users of the GESIS services DBK and SowiDataNet|datorium, You have registered for the GESIS services Data Catalogue (DBK) and SowiDataNet|datorium. Unfortunately, on Friday 2019-12-13 there was a hacking of the user database of DBK, which may have resulted in an unauthorized access to your account and account data (email address, name, and potentially your password and postal address). The services of the Data Catalogue and the repository SowiDataNet|datorium have been taken offline. Our data protection officer is involved and we are in contact with the responsible authorities.

A large part of the passwords is stored in encrypted form. If you use your password and email address for services other than the above, we strongly advise you to change your password.

We are currently securing the registration for the GESIS services DBK and SowiDataNet|datorium and we will inform you as soon as possible when this has been finalized. However, we currently cannot predict how long this will take. This applies as well for a relaunch of DBK and SowiDataNet|datorium. We will let you know as soon as the services will be available again.

We very much regret that you are affected and are working hard to remedy the consequences of the attack. If you have any questions or require further information, the following contacts are at your disposal: dataservices@gesis.org; https://www.gesis.org/en/contact

Your Data Services Team, GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences”