Councillor's e-mail is hit by hackers

Councillor Carla Lockhart, hot on the campaign trail to re-elect MP David Simpson, caused surprise - herself included - when she sent out e-mails to all her contacts advertising certain internet services.

The councillor’s online account had been hacked into and malicious e-mails sent out to her contacts.

Ms Lockhart was left red-faced and had to send out an e-mail warning her contacts not to open links sent from her, she said: "It was my AOL account, I've heard it is more susceptible to this kind of thing.

"It's called 'spoofing' apparently. According to some of the IT guys at the council my account was used to send e-mails out - but they would not have got access to my e-mails or details.

"They were able to use my address and send e-mails out to all my contacts.

"It's a hassle, but I've changed my passwords and will keep an eye on the account in future."

Cllr Lockhart sent an e-mail to all her contacts warning of the possible dangers of clicking on the link sent out in the malicious e-mail.

She added: "I've no idea what the e-mail was about - advertising certain medical enhancements I think."

Whatever the outcome, Councillor Lockhart has assured 'MAIL' readers no vital DUP electioneering tactics were lost in the security breach.