The FBIs favorite pants-maker exposes users’ payment cards

Popular US tactical equipment brand and retailer 5.11 Tactical has suffered a data breach impacting tens of thousands of its customers.

The attackers alerted the company‘s system in August, prompting admins to notice “unusual activity” on 5.11 Tactical’s online store.

According to a breach notification letter submitted to the Maine Attorney General, the retailer engaged a “nationally recognized” cybersecurity firm after learning that, among other details, its customers may have had their payment card information exposed.

“After a thorough forensic investigation, on September 12th, 2024, we determined that this incident may have involved payment card information of customers who purchased products through our online store between July 12th, 2024, and August 22nd, 2024,” the company said.

5.11 Tactical operates in over a hundred locations in the US. The company is best known for uniforms and tactical equipment favored by local and national law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI. The brand has been featured in various video games, such as Far Cry and several of the Tom Clancy series games.

The retailer’s exposed customer data includes:

• Names
• Email addresses
• Payment card numbers
• Payment card expiration dates
• Payment card security codes

Information that 5.11 Tactical provided to the Maine Attorney General reveals that 27,742 individuals were exposed in the attack.

“We recommend that you review your current and past credit and debit card account statements for discrepancies or unusual activity,” the company said.

Exposure of payment card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes can pose severe risks to affected individuals. These data points, along with names and surnames, are often used for online purchases.

5.11 Tactical said it will provide affected individuals with complimentary “restoration assistance.”

The company reported sales exceeding $533 million in 2023. It employs over 500 employees, with over a hundred locations in the US and branches in Germany, Finland, China, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.