Advisories
Florida DMV Driver Database Breach: Stolen Police Credentials Reveal Over 200k Records
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed a breach of its DAVID driver database after the ShinyHunters extortion gang claimed to have accessed the system using stolen police credentials. The attackers exploited a compromised account belonging to a Plant City Police Department employee, who stored the login on a personal device. While ShinyHunters alleged a password‑reset flaw and claimed more than 200,000 records were exfiltrated, FLHSMV has not confirmed the exact number of records accessed. The agency has notified state authorities, halted further intrusion, and i
What Happened
On September 4, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced that its DAVID driver database had been breached. The ShinyHunters extortion group publicly claimed responsibility, stating they had stolen over 200,000 driver records.
How Attackers Gained Access
Investigations revealed the attackers used credentials from a single Plant City Police Department employee. The user’s login information was stored on a personal electronic device, allowing the criminals to log in to the DMV system. ShinyHunters earlier suggested they exploited a password‑reset flaw, but FLHSMV’s findings differ.
Agency Response
FLHSMV acted quickly to contain the breach, shutting down further access. The agency has notified the Florida Office of the Attorney General and is working with the Florida Digital Service and the Department of Law Enforcement. No ongoing intrusion has been detected.
What This Means
While the exact number of compromised records remains unverified, the breach potentially exposed sensitive personal and vehicle data for a large portion of Florida’s drivers. The incident underscores the risks of storing credentials on personal devices and the importance of robust access controls.
Next Steps
Further details will be released as the criminal investigation progresses. Stakeholders are advised to monitor for any signs of data misuse and to review their own credential management practices.