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Following a data breach at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), mitigation measures have been put in place. These measures include blocking unauthorized access, resetting user credentials, engaging cybersecurity experts, and implementing additional safeguards to protect sensitive information as stated by FLHSMV officials.
The investigation into the Florida data breach is still ongoing. Authorities suspect that a cybercriminal group known as the Shiny Hunters may be behind the incident. The group, which recently claimed responsibility for hacking the FBI, gave a deadline to the authorities to negotiate a fee to prevent the data breach. The announcement was made on the dark web, where Shiny Hunters showcased what appeared to be the driver’s license of late financier and convicted former Florida sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to NBC Miami reports.
Following the initial post by Shiny Hunters, all mentions of Florida were removed, indicating a potential negotiation with the authorities to prevent further data compromise. FLHSMV, in its announcement, did not mention Shiny Hunters and refrained from commenting on the dark web posts, stating that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Security Concerns
The Florida data breach is unrelated to a previous breach involving 153 million U.S. driver’s licenses linked to IDscan.net. However, both incidents emphasize the vulnerability of personal information and the ease with which cybercriminals can gain access to it. As technology advances, especially with the rise of AI, the threat of data breaches becomes even more concerning as suggested by NBC Miami.
During the Florida breach, criminals obtained unauthorized access to departmental systems by acquiring credentials from Florida law enforcement personnel and improperly storing them on electronic devices. The FLHSMV has provided a FAQ addressing the issue.
Source: arstechnica.com
