Of the 270,000 accounts that have been compromised, 245,000 belong to Britons.

Wonga, a UK-based lender has warned its customers in Poland and in Britain that their personal data may have been stolen in the latest major breach in the company’s security.

Recent cyber-attacks have of late targeted British institutions, business, and banks, including, Talk-Talk, the National Health Service, and Lloyds.

“Wonga is urgently investigating illegal and unauthorized access to the personal data of some of its customers in the UK and Poland,” said the firm in a statement.

Wonga offers short-term unsecured consumer loans.

As per a source who is close to Wonga, the stolen data could include bank account details, and addresses and could effect up to 270,000 past and present customers, including 245,000 in Britain.

“We are working closely with authorities and we are in the process of informing affected customers. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused,” said Wonga.

Although the hack was detected last week on Tuesday, only on Friday the firm realised that personal information was compromised. It began notifying customers on Saturday.

Many people have come down hard on the “payday lending” industry who criticize its practices saying its interest rates and marketing tactics prey on vulnerable borrowers.

In 2014, Wonga had agreed to pay more than $3.22 million (2.6 million pounds) to 45,000 customers.