Unfortunately, we need to add the firearms industry to the growing list of data breach victims. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the agency that processes Concealed Weapons Licenses for Florida residents, just announced that a data breach exposed 16,000 licensee’s information to an unknown source. Another nearly 500 individuals had their social security numbers stolen, prompting free credit protection services.

Now, the leaking of what appears to be just names of 16k out of an estimated 2.5 million legal concealed carriers in Florida may not seem to be a big deal. However, we should all be concerned about how agencies safeguard our personal identification information. Firearms related or not .

CCW Data Stolen – Associated Press:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Officials say hackers may have obtained the names of more than 16,000 people who have Florida concealed weapon permits.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Monday they had discovered a data breach of the online payment system that processes payments for applications and permits.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has ordered a review of the department’s cybersecurity measures. State law enforcement is investigating the breach, which authorities suspect originated from overseas.

The agency stated that no financial information was obtained.

The department also warned that the breach may have revealed the social security numbers of 469 customers. The agency plans on offering free credit protection for one year to these individuals.

The Florida Legislature in 2006 passed a law that made the names of concealed weapon permit holders confidential.