Washington State Cannabis Tracking System Hacked

Washington State Cannabis Tracking System Hacked

Washington state’s new cannabis-tracking system was hacked the weekend of Feb. 3, according to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). Among other information, the hacker stole route information associated with four days of marijuana deliveries.

Washington state’s new cannabis-tracking system was hacked the weekend of Feb. 3, according to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). Among other information, the hacker stole route information associated with four days of marijuana deliveries.

Washington state requires the tracking of marijuana products from when it’s planted to when it’s sold to a pot user, allowing regulators to watch for suspicious movement of plants or products. The state’s traceability system, Leaf Data, was breached on Feb. 3.

“A computer vulnerability was exploited on Saturday, allowing unauthorized access to the traceability system,” according to WSLCB Deputy Director Peter Antolin. “There are indications an intruder downloaded a copy of the traceability database and took action that caused issues with inventory transfers for some users. We believe this was the root cause of the transfer/manifest issue experienced between Saturday and Monday.”

According to Antolin, the information downloaded did not contain personally identifiable information and, except for the manifest data, most data captured by the intruder was already public.

Manifest data includes detailed information on where cannabis products in the legal market are, where they’re from, and where they’re going, as well as transporter vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers. That data could potentially be used to intercept shipments or even rob drivers of cash and cannabis products.

Leaf Data developers MJ Freeway discovered problems associated with the hack on Feb. 3 and notified WSLCB on Monday. On Thursday, all marijuana licensees were notified and the WSLCB contacted the Washington State Office of CyberSecurity, which is investigating the hack.

According to WSLCB, it and MJ Freeway “continue to implement several strategies to prevent future vulnerabilities,” but because the investigation is ongoing, “details on security are not publicly available.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities