Personal data of Californians with concealed weapon permits breached; could affect about 800 in Plumas

The California Department of Justice launched a new website June 27 aimed at making information about firearms more transparent, and it succeeded, though not in the manner planned.

The site incurred a data breach exposing the names, ages, addresses and license types of those who have Concealed Carry Weapon permits.

The DOJ shut down parts of its website once it learned about the breach; the full scope of which is not yet known. “We are investigating an exposure of individuals’ personal information connected to the DOJ Firearms Dashboard,” a statement from Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office read. “Any unauthorized release of personal information is unacceptable. We are working swiftly to address this situation and will provide additional information as soon as possible.” It’s feared that some information may have been posted to alternative locations before the breach was detected.

Plumas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chandler Peay said that their office had been notified and that they are awaiting more details about the breach, including why the sensitive information was available on the website at all.

There are roughly 800 concealed carry weapon permit holders in Plumas County, though not all of the permits are currently active.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.