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DMV Theft Could be Terrorism
Advisory

Technolytics in conjunction with Spy-Ops issues an intelligence advisory on Nevada DMV break-in. Could it be terrorists?

A break-in reported mid-March of 2006 at the Las Vegas office of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has significant Homeland Security implications. The thieves took a computer that contained private data on nearly 9,000 individuals. The data included social security numbers, signature images, and other information. The burglars also took with them 1,700 blank drivers licenses as well as drivers license making equipment. The mental model associated with identity theft is based on the historical perspective and is primarily focused on financial fraud. However, there may be an alternative use of identity this information. One that is more sinister - Terrorism.

Terrorists have seized upon the use of information technology as a tool in their terrorist activities. Terrorist have a long history of assuming other individual’s identities. In an article published on September 22nd, 2001 by the Times LTD titled “Terrorists’ Trade in Stolen Identities” it discusses how Osama bin Laden had carefully created impostors and how his agents stole the identities and life histories of at least a dozen Western-educated young men who were all murdered in 1990. Every document and record of those men’s lives were either stolen or doctored to allow the terrorists to move freely around the world.

Armed with critical data elements like Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Address, and Place of Birth, the ability of a terrorist to assume the identity of a U.S. citizen is enhanced. Given the information and equipment taken during the Nevada DMV break-in, the ability of terrorist to create an identity or to assume an identity of an individual has been greatly enhanced.

The drivers license has become the de-fact-o standard for identification within the United States. The DMV break-in taken by itself is concerning; but taken, in conjunction with the numerous data breaches that have occurred so far this year it becomes alarming.
NOTE: In that drivers licenses are used to obtain other forms of identity (like birth certificates), requesting multiple forms of identification offers little reduction in risk.


KEY FACTS

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information Bulletin titled “Potential Terrorist Use of Official Identification” warned that Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups are likely to view the theft or other illegal acquisition of official identification, uniforms, or vehicles as an effective way to increase access and decrease scrutiny of their activities.
Approximately 11.8 million Americans (one in twenty adults) have been victimized by identity theft as of April 2003

Identity theft can take many forms. An illegal immigrant may use your social security number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) for employment purposes or to obtain a birth certificate.

Fake drivers licenses can still be ordered on the Internet or purchased for about $60 in many cities and real ones can be obtained fraudulently as well.
The General Accounting Office conducted a test in which GAO agents had been able to enter the United States using counterfeit driver's licenses without being stopped – 25 out of 25 times in 2003.

A good counterfeit driver's license can be sold for $500 to $1500.

Kevin G. Coleman (KGColeman@technolytics.com)
Senior Fellow/Chief Strategist
Technolytics
4017 Washington Road