Hackers Steal UK Firearms Data

Thousands of names and addresses belonging to UK customers of a leading website for buying and selling shotguns and rifles have been hacked into by criminals and have been published to the dark web following a security breach. 

Guntrader admitted that  around 100,000 customer records were stolen but is no information relating to gun ownership or the location of firearms has been stolen. Police, including the National Crime Agency, are investigating and the risk is that the breach could lead to registered gun owners being targeted by criminals.

Gun ownership is tightly controlled in the UK, making guns difficult to acquire, and potentially valuable on the black market.

The stolen data will include many people who do own firearms, and shooting organisations are urging caution.The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is urging its members "to be vigilant around home security" following the breach.In a statement published on its website, it said personal data had been listed on "on a hackers' website". Their advice to members is to check home security and to make sure all firearms are appropriately stored under lock and key.

 The investigation into the breach is being led by the South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit (SWRCCU) assisted by the National Crime Agency who are working with Guntrader and the SWRCCU to better understand the incident and manage any potential impact. 

The BASC has said that the gun laws require firearms to be securely locked away when not in use, adding that the majority of police forces will come out and check your security arrangements prior to granting a firearms certificate. 

 BASC’s head of firearms, Martin Parker, said: “The National Crime Agency is aware of the issue and BASC is working with them to ensure we can update members as quickly as possible as the situation develops... Our advice to members would be to check home security and be extra vigilant.  Make sure all firearms are appropriately locked away and make sure buildings are kept secure.  Follow normal good crime security advice and report anything suspicious to the police.”

BASC:     ITPro:         BBC:     ShootingUK:    The Register:     Image: Unsplash

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