The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) in January became aware of suspicious activity involving professional and occupational license information contained within the Professional and Business Licensing System. The department immediately shut the system down and began an investigation with the assistance of the Washington Technology Solutions and cybersecurity experts.
In an update provided on its website Feb. 15, 2022, the department stated, “Although our investigation is continuing, we have additional information to share. DOL has determined that the suspicious activity was a breach of the Professional and Business Licensing System. Our investigation to this point has revealed that around 650,000 individuals may have been affected. These individuals include active licensees and people with, for example, expired, revoked or suspended licenses.
“In response, DOL will begin notifying all affected individuals in a variety of ways, including direct notice, notice to the Washington Attorney General and others as required by law, and notice through updated information on our website. Notifications will include an offer of free credit monitoring.”
The department stated that the professional licensing system remains offline, but it has begun processing license renewals.