Ag Department Data Breach: Social Security Numbers, Concealed Weapons Info Stolen

May 28, 2017

Nearly 500 people may have had their Social Security numbers obtained in a data breach at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Also, the names of 16,190 concealed-weapon license holders — out of more than 1.75 million in the state — may have been acquired in the hack.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to help review his department’s cybersecurity measures.

“Only concealed weapon licensees who renewed online may have had their names accessed,” a release from Putnam’s office said Monday. “The department’s Office of Inspector General determined that there is no risk of identity theft to these licensees.”

The breach occurred about two weeks ago, and the system was immediately shut down to begin the analysis, said department spokeswoman Jennifer Meale. The department is offering a year of free credit protection to the 469 people who had their Social Security numbers obtained in the breach of an online payment system. The breach is believed to have originated overseas.

“No financial information was obtained in this data breach, which is the first that has occurred during this administration,” Putnam’s office said.

by The News Service of Florida

Comments

3 Responses to “Ag Department Data Breach: Social Security Numbers, Concealed Weapons Info Stolen”

  1. Jim A. on June 1st, 2017 3:55 am

    Well put camera’s at the intersections and sidewalks, there isn’t an expectation of privacy in a public place anyway. How is the “Government Intruding” on looking at something that any other citizen is free to look at? You, a citizen, can stand at an intersection with your camera and record the intersection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without the fear of violating any law so why can’t the Government do the same? As long as any person doesn’t have an expectation of privacy, no harm.

  2. A on May 29th, 2017 5:40 am

    Bob, sounds more like it would give enemies a way to map out a terrorist attack in that vicinity. good grief!

  3. Bob C. on May 28th, 2017 10:23 am

    Few weeks ago there was an article about the Florida Dept of Transportation putting cameras all over the state and Interstates and conducting a “Traffic Survey” of citizens in southern Florida counties.
    FLDOT is to gather that information which would then be managed by a 3rd, non-govt, company to make sure it was all Secure and Maintain Privacy.
    Sounds to me like more government intrusion and an opportunity to give our information to the hackers on a silver platter.
    George Orwell was right on in his book, “1984″

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News