ATF Confirms ‘Major’ Cyberattack Without Offering Details of What Was Targeted

While the ATF has confirmed that it was the target of a “major” cyberattack by the ransomware group known as Qilin, details of the data breach are still under wraps, and it’s unclear what information may have been stolen or compromised. 

One of the concerns is that the details of potentially tens of millions of gun owners might have been accessed. The ATF has digital files of billions of documents from FFLs who have gone out of business, including the Form 4473s that were filled out by customers. If the hackers accessed that material, it could be used for a variety of nefarious purposes, from identity theft to providing criminals with a handy list of gun owners in their area. (though that would take a little bit of work on the part of the ransomware group). 

“The NRA is deeply concerned about how data leaks can expose the privacy of gun owners,” a spokesperson for the National Rifle Association told the DCNF. “We are working with the administration to understand the scope and severity of the situation, and will keep our members updated as facts are confirmed.”

“If anything this reinforces why we feel it’s critical that the ATF compile as little information about gun owning Americans as possible,” Second Amendment Foundation Senior Director of Litigation William Sack said. “Not only should our government not have that information, but they’ve shown over and over again that it’s not even secure in their possession.”

At the moment, very little data is secure, whether it belongs to a government agency or a private company. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common, with the Department of Justice announcing on Wednesday that it had taken control of the platforms QScan and QTRouter, which are connected to the Chinese government. 

In a court filing, the DOJ revealed that it had been the target of attacks using the platforms, along with other government entities like NASA, the Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, U.S. Senate, Department of Health and Human Services and National Institutes of Health. 

The website Cyber News reports that the Russia-linked hackers targeted a system that contains information “tied to ATF investigations,” though the agency has not officially confirmed that detail. 

The Bureau stressed that the impacted system operates separately from the ATF enterprise network, but that doesn’t change the fact that leaked information about ATF investigations could pose a serious national security risk.

ATF investigations can target a wide range of serious criminal activity – from illegal firearms trafficking and violent gangs to bomb makers, terror suspects, and even domestic violence offenders.

… If Qilin’s claims are legitimate – and data was stolen from the isolated ATF system – the potential fallout could be enormous.

Ongoing ATF investigations could be compromised, potentially undermining prosecutions and exposing hundreds, if not thousands, of informants, witnesses, and other law enforcement activities across the country.

There’s no shortage of bad actors who would love to get their hands on that kind of information, including Mexican-based drug cartels and foreign governments hostile to U.S. interests. 

Again, as of right now we don’t know what information was accessed because the ATF is keeping those details to itself and the agencies investigating the cyberattack. Given the implications for gun owners, gun sellers, and firearm industry members, as well as ongoing ATF investigations, this “major” breach should be of major concern and spark major discussions on Capitol Hill about the amount of data that the ATF has compiled on those involved in lawful firearm transactions. 

Editor’s Note: The Democrat Party has been infected by socialism, and it’s spreading FAST. Democrats are claiming there’s nothing to worry about, but we know the truth.

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