The Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) has confirmed it is investigating an incident involving the unauthorized release of vehicle registration application information circulating on social media and the internet. The BRA has stated that protecting the privacy and security of its stakeholders is of the utmost importance and that the confidence individuals and businesses have in its systems is a core principle. The Authority is actively collaborating with law enforcement and other partners to thoroughly investigate the situation, though it has refrained from sharing specific details about the nature of the breach to avoid compromising the investigation.
The BRA emphasized that the ongoing investigation requires discretion and confidentiality to ensure its integrity. As the situation develops, the Authority is working closely with the Data Commissioner, who has been informed and will continue to receive regular updates. The BRA has also been mindful of the impact on the public, especially due to the temporary restrictions placed on the vehicle registration portal, which have disrupted access for many Barbadians.
In light of the breach, the BRA is advising the public to remain vigilant and monitor their personal account activity for any signs of unusual or suspicious activity. The Authority has specifically warned individuals to be cautious of any communications or requests that seem to come from the BRA, urging them to report any such instances to their Data Privacy Officer for further investigation. This is a precautionary measure to prevent further damage or exploitation of the exposed information.
While the investigation is still underway, the BRA’s response highlights its commitment to upholding data security and ensuring the protection of personal and sensitive information. The public’s trust in the Authority is crucial, and the BRA is taking necessary precautions to resolve the issue while minimizing the impact on Barbadians. As the situation unfolds, the BRA continues to work on strengthening its security measures and addressing any vulnerabilities in its systems.
