PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Thousands of credit card numbers were stolen from a state government Web site that allows residents to register their cars and buy state permits, authorities said Friday. The private company that runs www.ri.gov said 4,118 credit card numbers probably were taken, a state official said. All online transactions were suspended yesterday until any possible security problems could be fixed. “We just can’t risk it,” said Department of Administration Director Beverly Najarian. The company, New England Interactive, originally told state officials last month that eight credit card numbers were stolen during a security breach, but said this week that thousands probably were taken, Najarian said. The state didn’t notify consumers in December about the breach, Najarian said, because it appeared limited and company officials promised security had been tightened. Najarian said she did not know why the scope of the breach wasn’t detected sooner, and the state will hire an outside consultant to conduct a security review. State officials have decided to mail notices to the affected credit card holders, she said. So far, no fraudulent charges have been reported.

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