Florida investigates data breach tied to cybercriminal organization
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is investigating a data breach involving a police department employee’s credentials exploited by an international cybercriminal organization.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —
Officials are investigating a data breach involving a government database in Florida.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced on Thursday, Sept. 10, that on Sept. 4, it learned of a data breach by an international cybercriminal organization.
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It said the data breach was quickly mitigated, and no further breach has occurred or is ongoing.
Its investigation revealed that the criminal organization was able to take advantage of a single Plant City Police Department user’s credentials that were improperly housed on the employee’s personal electronic device.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles informed the Florida Attorney General’s Office about the data breach and is also partnering with the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in its response to the event.
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