Halifax Water investigating privacy breach, shuts down online portal

Halifax Water is investigating unauthorized access to its customer connect online portal.

Halifax Water says it is investigating an unauthorized access to information in its customer connect online portal.

The utility says it has temporarily shut down the portal as it investigates the breach, adding there is no indication financial information is at risk.

“I’m still assessing this unfortunate situation that is impacting ratepayers,” said Mayor Any Fillmore. “However, I want to reassure residents this matter is only impacting the Halifax Water Customer Contact online portal and not any of the municipality’s systems.”

Fillmore said Halifax Water will present its annual plan to regional council in coming weeks at which time he expects Councillors will ask about the incident. He said he’s raised concerns about Halifax Water’s operations in the past, including finances, governance and capital planning.

“Halifax Water has activated its incident response processes and has notified the appropriate authorities,” the utility said in a news release. “We apologize for the concern and inconvenience this may cause. Protecting customer information and maintaining reliable service are top priorities for Halifax Water.”

Halifax Water advises customers if they receive a call from someone claiming to be the utility, and are unsure of their legitimacy, to hang up and call them back using the number on their official website (902-420-9287).

“Halifax Water will only call during normal business hours,” the release reads. “Halifax Water is currently not contacting customers regarding this incident. If you receive a call, email or text message, please ignore them.”

Halifax Water said it will provide an update on the situation on Monday.

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