We have been made aware that the user database of the popular organisation for peer to peer selling of guns, Gun Trader, has been hacked and therefore information on users has been illegally acquired.

It has been reported that Gun Trader has 111,000 users on its database and the information obtained by hackers includes names, addresses, telephone numbers and some GPS location data. Although no certificate details appear to have been compromised, a number of the subscribers are certificated shooters.

Gun Trader has reported the breach to the Information Commissioner and contacted all affected persons to inform them and suggested to users that they review their cyber security arrangements.

Shooting bodies in Scotland have been in touch with Police Scotland who have confirmed that the Cyber Crime Unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA) has looked into this matter.

Of the list of names, in excess of 5,500 are from Scotland. On reviewing the numerous random entries, it is clear some are existing certificate holders whilst many are not. Police Scotland have also been advised that some of the information is historic. To date, the investigation has not highlighted any increased risk to any specific individual exposed by the data breach.

As a result, Police Scotland will not be taking any further action or contacting specific certificate holders directly, particularly given the awareness raising exercise already carried out by Gun Trader and other agencies.

The NCA are reinforcing the usual safety messages around home and business security and timeous reporting of any loss or theft of firearms and / or ammunition, and any suspicious activity.

There'll be further clarity over any other steps that should be taken over the next few days.

Gun Trader Passwords

It should be assumed that the passwords have been or will be compromised. As such, it is advises that all users of that website change their password and, if you use the same password elsewhere (e.g. banks etc.), to change their passwords on those sites or apps as well.

Firearm & Home Security

All firearms held on certificates should be stored securely when not in use.

Following this security breach, if you suspect you are one of the registered Gun Trader users then:

Immediately review your own home and firearm security.
Keep any gun cabinet keys secure.
Remain alert to any suspicious activity or third party interest. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.

Our thanks to our partners at SACS and BASC for making us aware of this matter originally.