ABBOTSFORD — The City of Abbotsford is warning residents personal data such as bank account numbers and addresses may have been compromised after software used to run the municipality’s online services was hacked.

The security breach was noticed by staff on July 16 and external access to online services was shut down to protect data, according to information posted on the city website.

No credit or debit card information was affected and the city system doesn’t have personal information such as social insurance numbers of drivers’ licence data on file, stated the city.

A security consultant hired by the city hasn’t found any evidence yet that there’s been any unauthorized access to citizens’ data.

However, the breach affected residents who use the city’s property tax and utilities pre-payment plan program.
It also affected customers using My City Online, Abbotsford’s web service portal that allows people to pay taxes and utility bills as well as check water consumption, billing history, and business licence and development applications and permits.

At risk information includes data found on a personal cheque, including names, addresses and bank account numbers for residents pre-paying taxes through the automatic withdrawal program.

Passwords and security questions for My City Online customers may have been compromised along with data for tax and utility billing, property ownership, homeowner grants, dog licence information and bylaw information and complaints.

The city is advising residents who pre-pay bills to contact their financial institution to determine if they need to change bank account information or take other actions.

It’s also asking My City Online users to change their passwords and security questions