Federal Investigation Underway
The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office has confirmed it is investigating a major cybersecurity incident potentially linked to IDScan.net, a New Orleans-based technology firm specializing in identity verification. The probe follows reports that data from more than 150 million U.S. and Canadian driver’s licenses may have been compromised and offered for sale on the dark web.
The breach was first highlighted by cybersecurity researcher Brian Krebs, who reported that identity thieves appeared to be siphoning sensitive information directly from IDScan.net’s systems. The company, which provides software to nearly 4,000 clients—including major retailers like GameStop, AMC Theatres, and rental giant Hertz—processes over 22 million identity scans monthly across North America.
This report draws on information published by nola.com.
Company Profile and Operations
Founded in 2003 by Denis Petrov and Andrey Stanovnov, IDScan.net has evolved from a small startup into a significant player in the $14 billion global identity verification market. Headquartered at the LSU New Orleans Research & Technology Park, known locally as “The Beach,” the firm employs approximately 150 people globally. Its technology is widely utilized by financial institutions, petrochemical plants, and hospitality businesses to authenticate physical IDs, such as passports and military credentials.
In recent years, the company underwent leadership transitions. Jimmy Roussel, a veteran of the local tech scene, assumed the role of CEO in 2023, succeeding co-founder Denis Petrov. Mike Eckert, former CEO of The Weather Channel, currently serves as the company’s chairman.
Scope of the Incident
While the company has yet to provide a public statement detailing the extent of the breach, spokesperson Jillian Kossman acknowledged the assistance provided by external investigators, stating that the information provided to the team has been “welcome, and helpful” to their internal inquiry. The FBI has declined to provide further specifics regarding the progress of their investigation.
The potential exposure of 150 million records represents one of the largest security incidents involving government-issued identification documents in recent years. For consumers, the breach raises significant concerns regarding identity theft, as compromised driver’s license data can be used to bypass security protocols at financial institutions, medical facilities, and secure government installations.