The social security numbers of state-licensed Island professionals, including realtors and medical professionals, have not been compromised and are safely back in Massachusetts state databases, a spokesman for the state division of professional licensure said this week.

In late October, Massachusetts professionals licensed by the state in a variety of business categories received a letter from the division informing them that a glitch in a new software application had allowed social security numbers to be included in information provided to 23 companies and individuals.

The state moved quickly to recover 28 disks that were distributed and has sworn statements from the recipients that the disks were not used, according to Cofi Jones, spokesman for the state Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. “The error occurred when new software failed to extract social security numbers from the database. We have retained a data security firm and we have reviewed our protocols to ensure the error doesn’t reoccur,” Ms. Jones said.

Under the state public records law, the division is required to make certain information available to the public, such as the names and addresses of its licensees. The division recommended licensed professionals place a fraud alert on credit cards and monitor activity on their financial accounts. Anyone with concerns may call 617-973-8100.