Hackers Obtained Concealed Carriers' Information in Florida

On Monday, Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced a shocking discovery: more than 16,000 concealed carriers in the state had their data breached.

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Hackers were able to access the state’s application and payment center, where those applying for concealed carry permits entered their private information.

“The social security numbers that may have been obtained had been entered in an online field where either a social security number or Federal Employer Identification Number could be entered. In 2009, the department began only to request a FEIN in this field and stopped the prior practice of requesting either a Social Security number or FEIN,” a statement from the FDACS said. “Only concealed weapon licensees who renewed online may have had their names accessed. The department’s Office of Inspector General determined that there is no risk of identity theft to these licensees.”

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is currently reviewing FDAC’s cyber security measures.

According to FDACS, the number of concealed carriers who were impacted is 469 customers, less than one percent of the total CCP holders in the Sunshine State.

The state is providing a year of complimentary credit card protection to those whose social securing number was compromised through the data breach.

 

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