Guntrader.co.uk experienced a serious data breach which put customers at risk. Here are some of the questions our data breach solicitors have been asked about this privacy failure.
Did Guntrader breach my data?
The Guntrader data breach affected:
- Guntrader.co.uk customers registered between 2016 and 17 July 2021.
- Those who made a purchase from a registered firearms dealer/gun shop that used the Guntrader database between 2016 and 17 July 2021.
If you are affected by this breach, Guntrader is legally obliged to let you know.
If you have not been told that you are involved, it is worth checking your spam folder in case the notification email has gone there. If you no longer use the email address registered to your Guntrader account, you should contact the firearms dealer to ask if your data has been compromised.
Crucially, while copies of the database are circulating online, people are warned not to download it to see if their data is listed as some are laced with malware.
What happened in the Guntrader data breach?
An unauthorised third party accessed the firearms dealer’s database which contained details of approximately 100,000 registered users. The database was then published on the dark web.
How many people were exposed in the Guntrader breach?
In total, around 111,000 records were stolen and thousands of customers have had their names and addresses published on the dark web.
What data was exposed in the Guntrader breach?
Guntrader has confirmed that the following details were compromised in the attack:
- Any details used to register an account, such as:
- names
- addresses
- telephone numbers
- email addresses
- encrypted passwords.
While no details about gun ownership were exposed, the very nature of the site does identify users as potential gun owners.
Am I at risk?
Many affected gun owners are worried about the potential impact on them and their families and we understand why many Guntrader customers no longer feel safe.
- Many are concerned that they can be identified as people who own firearms and targeted by criminals who are interested in acquiring guns – especially as they are not easy to obtain and can be sold on the black market.
- Others are worried that they could become the target of anti-gun groups.
As a result, some gun owners are considering moving home to keep themselves and their families safe.
What happens now?
Guntrader has notified the police, the National Crime Agency, and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) about this security breach. There will be an investigation into how this data privacy failure was allowed to happen.
What should I do if I am involved in this breach?
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has acknowledged the risk and has advised members “to check home security and be extra vigilant”. The police have also advised gun owners to ensure guns are stored securely and report any suspicious activity.
We have been contacted by many gun owners who are extremely worried about this breach and the possible impact. If you are involved in this breach you should sign up to our Guntrader action.
