Buckeye Reporter

Recent reports indicate a significant data breach affecting Israeli gun owners. According to Haaretz, Iranian-linked hackers penetrated Israeli databases, leaking sensitive gun owner data online in February. Haaretz collaborated with U.S. cybersecurity firm databreach.com to analyze this breach.

The leaked documents include personal details such as names, addresses, photographs, military and medical backgrounds, firearm types, and storage information. The cybersecurity firm emphasized the heightened risk for affected individuals, estimating that "the database contains identifying information on over 10,000 Israelis." A breach victim expressed concern, affirming, "this puts a target on our backs."

Haaretz reported that the hackers have begun disseminating the data through platforms similar to WikiLeaks, making it readily accessible. The data is expected to appear on additional platforms shortly.

This breach surfaces amid a trend of increasing firearm permit applications in Israel. Following the October 2023 terrorist attacks, the Israeli government eased firearm ownership regulations. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir remarked, "My policy within the office was to permit as many people as possible to get a weapon," with current approval rates reaching 3,000 permits a day compared to 100 before the attacks.

The incident raises concerns about storing sensitive gun owner information, though Israel is not alone in experiencing such breaches. New Zealand has faced multiple incidents, including a July 2023 data breach by the Firearms Safety Authority, exposing over 100 gun owners. In June 2022, Auckland police reported a burglary compromising firearm owner details. Earlier, in 2019, New Zealand's gun buyback program data was also exposed.

California experienced a similar data breach in June 2022 when the state's Department of Justice launched a portal that inadvertently exposed personal information of CCW holders. Attorney General Rob Bonta acknowledged the error, stating, “The California Department of Justice is entrusted to protect Californians and their data. We acknowledge the stress this may cause those individuals whose information was exposed."

These breaches emphasize that even advanced governments like Israel’s face challenges in securing gun owner data, reinforcing the idea that not collecting such data might be the best solution.