Two separate cybersecurity incidents involving organizations that handle driver’s license and government-issued identification information were disclosed within one week, highlighting the growing risks associated with the theft and exposure of identity credentials.
On September 4, 2026, IDScan.net published a notification concerning a data security incident involving its cloud platform. The company stated that an unauthorized third party may have accessed or copied information from customer accounts. The information potentially involved includes names and driver’s license or other government-issued identification numbers. IDScan.net said it was investigating the incident and cooperating with law enforcement.
Read IDScan.net’s official statement
Exactly one week later, on September 11, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) released a statement confirming that it had experienced a data breach. According to FLHSMV, the department learned of the breach on September 4. Its investigation determined that a criminal actor obtained access using credentials belonging to a Plant City Police Department user. FLHSMV said those credentials had been improperly stored on the employee’s personal electronic device. The department stated that the breach was quickly mitigated and that no further breach was occurring. The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Read FLHSMV’s official statement
There is currently no indication in either organization’s public statements that the two incidents are connected.
Why Driver’s License Information Matters
A driver’s license is more than proof that someone is legally permitted to drive. It is a government-issued identity credential that is routinely used to establish a person’s identity.
That makes the potential exposure of driver’s license information particularly concerning. Identity information can be used alongside other stolen information in attempts to impersonate an individual, establish fraudulent accounts, or obtain financing.
A driver’s license is also commonly presented during transactions involving high-value or durable goods, particularly automobiles. It may be used to establish identity when purchasing or financing a vehicle and during vehicle registration and title transactions.
This does not mean that someone with a stolen driver’s license number can automatically purchase a vehicle or transfer a title. Those transactions generally involve additional verification. The concern is that compromised government-issued identity information can become another component in a broader identity-theft or fraud attempt.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
Anyone concerned about the exposure of their personal information should consider placing a security freeze, commonly called a credit freeze, with all three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
A security freeze restricts prospective creditors from accessing your credit report for new credit applications. It is free and does not affect your credit score. However, you must place the freeze separately with each credit bureau.
A freeze can make it more difficult for someone to open new credit accounts in your name. It does not prevent every form of identity theft, and it does not prevent existing creditors or certain other authorized parties from accessing your report.
How to Freeze Your Credit by Telephone
You can use the automated telephone systems provided by the three major credit bureaus. Have your name, date of birth, Social Security number and current address available for identity verification.
1. Equifax
Call 1-888-298-0045.
Follow the automated prompts to place a security freeze on your Equifax credit report.
2. Experian
Call 1-888-397-3742.
Follow the automated prompts for a security freeze and complete the identity-verification process.
3. TransUnion
Call 1-888-909-8872.
Follow the automated prompts to place a security freeze on your TransUnion credit report.
Remember: You Must Freeze All Three
Freezing your credit with one bureau does not freeze your credit with the other two. Each credit bureau maintains its own credit file, so consumers should complete the process with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
If you later need to apply for a vehicle loan, mortgage, credit card or other financing, you can temporarily lift the freeze and reinstate it afterward.
Consumers should also monitor their credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity and be especially cautious about phishing emails, text messages and telephone calls requesting additional personal information.
Need Assistance?
If you need assistance understanding these steps or securing your accounts following a data breach, Falcon IT Services is available to help. Just email security -@- falconitservices.com for assistance.