Unprecedented MOVEit Data Breach Impacts Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles, Urgent Action Needed
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has been hit by a significant cyber attack through the data transfer service, MOVEit, putting the sensitive personal information of Louisianans at risk. This international incident has impacted a yet undetermined number of government entities, major businesses, and organizations.
Louisianans Should Act Urgently to Protect Their Identities
It's unclear whether the cyber attackers have sold, used, shared, or released the compromised data. Still, Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards, urges all Louisianans to take immediate steps to safeguard their identities.
The information believed to have been exposed includes:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security Number
- Birthdate
- Height
- Eye Color
- Driver’s License Number
- Vehicle Registration Information
- Handicap Placard Information
All Louisianans with a state-issued driver's license, ID, or car registration are potentially affected.
Governor John Bel Edwards Directs Response
Governor Edwards, in a briefing with the Unified Command Group on Thursday, instructed the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the Office of Technology Services (OTS) to inform residents of the breach and provide guidance on next steps.
Crucial Steps for Louisiana Residents
1. Freeze Your Credit and Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Prevent unauthorized account openings or loans by freezing your credit with Experian (1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com/freeze), Equifax (1-800-685-1111, equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze), and TransUnion (888-909-8872, www.transunion.com/credit-freeze).
2. Change All Passwords
Update all passwords for online accounts and use multi-factor authentication when available. Visit www.CISA.gov for more information on password protection.
3. Protect Your Tax Refund with the IRS
To prevent fraudulent filings, request an "Identity Protection Pin" from the IRS at irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin or call 1-800-829-1040.
4. Secure Your Social Security Benefits
Register at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ to prevent others from stealing your benefits.
5. Report Suspected Identity Theft
Report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP
The State of Louisiana will issue further information in the coming days. Additional data and identity protection resources can be found at nextsteps.la.gov and www.IdentityTheft.gov.