150M+ driver’s licenses may be on dark web. Questions surround New Orleans cyber firm

Live updates

1. 4d ago

   IDScan.net confirms breach of 153 million US and Canadian driver's licenses

   Louisiana-based identity verification firm IDScan.net confirmed a data breach after a dark web platform called Nexus began selling more than 153 million scanned driver's licenses from the United States and Canada. The FBI opened an investigation on September 1. IDScan.net provides identity and age verification technology for Fortune 500 clients, bars, and retailers. Hackers allegedly spent a year collecting documents before the vulnerability was closed. The leak allows bad actors to search for and access scanned identification documents stored on the company's cloud platform.

   Why it matters

   Driver's licenses serve as primary proof of identity, making this volume of leaked scans a high risk for identity theft. The breach impacts a wide range of users due to IDScan's role in retail and corporate compliance checks.

   What is confirmed

   • IDScan.net confirmed a data breach involving customer data stored on its cloud platform.
   • More than 153 million scanned US and Canadian driver's licenses were offered on a dark web platform called Nexus.
   • The FBI opened an investigation into the breach on September 1.
   • IDScan.net is a Louisiana-based identity verification firm serving Fortune 500 clients, retailers, and bars.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Hackers spent a year hoarding documents before IDScan closed the security hole.
   • The breach includes the driver's license of Hegseth.

   What to watch next

   • Official FBI findings on the method of entry and duration of the breach
   • Notification of specific Fortune 500 clients affected by the leak
   • Legal actions or regulatory fines against IDScan.net
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. gizmodo.com — 153 Million Americans Are About to Find Out Their Driver’s License Is on the Dark Web
   2. southfloridareporter.com — Your Driver’s License Might Be Leaked Online, and the FBI Is Investigating
   3. www.yahoo.com — Over 150m driver’s licenses posted on dark web after data breach
   4. www.cnet.com — Over 153 Million Driver’s Licenses Were Stolen by Hackers. Here’s What to Know
   5. www.helpnetsecurity.com — IDScan confirms breach after 153 million driver’s licenses leak on dark web
   6. lifehacker.com — Over 150 Million Driver's Licenses Have Been Leaked
   7. cybersecuritynews.com — IDScan Confirms Data Breach Following 153 Million Driver’s Licenses Leaked on the Dark Web
   confidence 95%
2. 8d ago

   FBI probes theft of 153 million driver's licenses across US and Canada

   The FBI is investigating a massive data breach involving the theft of over 153 million driver's licenses from the United States and Canada. Hackers are allegedly selling this information via a dark web service. The investigation began after reports surfaced that personal identification was appearing for sale shortly after car rental transactions. The breach includes high-profile targets, with hackers claiming to have obtained the driver's license of Hegseth. Authorities are working to determine the origin of the leak and the full extent of the exposed data.

   Why it matters

   Driver's licenses contain sensitive personal data that can be used for identity theft and financial fraud. This breach is significant due to the volume of records and the cross-border nature of the stolen IDs. It highlights vulnerabilities in how third-party services handle government-issued identification.

   What is confirmed

   • The FBI is investigating the theft of millions of driver's licenses from the US and Canada.
   • A service is selling 153 million plus driver's licenses.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Hackers claim to have obtained Hegseth's driver's license.

   What to watch next

   • Verification of the total number of unique individuals affected across both countries.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. NBC News — FBI investigates alleged breach of IDs after hackers claim Hegseth driver’s license
   2. Ars Technica — I rented a car, and within hours, my driver’s license was for sale
   3. Krebs on Security — FBI Probes Service Selling 153M+ Drivers Licenses
   4. reuters.com — FBI probes report of data breach exposing millions of drivers' licenses in US, Canada
   5. WWLTV.com — 150M+ driver’s licenses may be on dark web. Questions surround New Orleans cyber firm
   6. The Independent — FBI launches investigation into theft of millions of Americans’ and Canadians’ stolen driver’s licenses
   confidence 90%