DOL estimates around 650,000 individuals affected in data breach

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Department of Licensing estimates that around 650,000 individuals may have been affected in a breach to the state licensing database, state officials said Friday.

>> Breach of state database may expose personal information

The data includes some Social Security numbers and other sensitive data of current and former professionals and business owners, officials said. The department said data from the driver’s license system was not affected.

The DOL became aware of suspicious activity the week of Jan. 24 and disclosed the breach last week. Individuals with active licenses as well as expired, revoked or suspended licenses may have been affected.

The state will begin notifying all affected individuals and will also offer free credit monitoring.

“Based on our investigation, DOL has sufficient reason to believe the Professional and Business Licensing System was accessed and records were acquired without authorization,” the department said in an updated statement on its website.

The main licensing portal for the DOL has been shut down since Jan. 24, but the department is now begun processing some license renewals.

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