Ikea app TaskRabbit reveals security breach

Ikea's odd jobs marketplace TaskRabbit is investigating a "cyber-security incident", the company has announced.

The app and website let people find freelance workers to complete household tasks such as cleaning, gardening or assembling flat-pack furniture.

TaskRabbit has not revealed the nature of the incident, but said it was working with law enforcement and a cyber-security firm to investigate.

The app and website have been temporarily closed.

The UK's information commissioner's office said it was "aware of a potential data breach" and was "looking into" the situation.

The company has urged people to change their passwords on other websites and apps, if they have used their TaskRabbit password for other accounts.

"We will update affected individuals as more information becomes available," the company said in a statement.

It said workers who were unable to complete their jobs on 16 April would be "compensated appropriately".

Ikea bought San Francisco-based TaskRabbit in 2017, although it is operated as an independent company within the Ikea Group.

The app was founded in 2008 by Leah Busque who came up with the idea of a chore-hiring company when she ran out of food for her dog one evening, while waiting to go out to dinner, and wished there was someone she could call on to help.