City warns ransomware attack strikes Hamilton water customers

The city says a third-party vendor that handles mail for Hamilton water customers was hit by a ransomware attack.

As many as 2,387 accounts - out of a total of 156,923 - may have been breached.

The compromised personal information could have included customer names and addresses, the city said in a news release Friday.

Hamilton Water considers this is a low-risk incident for residents, but felt it important to inform the community."

The city's water division contracts Neptune Technology Group to replace and maintain water meters.

Neptune uses a third-party mailing vendor to let residents know when their meters need to be replaced.

As a precaution, Neptune has temporarily stopped sharing information with the vendor, which has hired a consultant to investigate the attack.

The city says it will take any additional steps" to make sure personal information is safeguarded.

To be on the safe side, residents can also review account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call 905-546-2424 to speak with Hamilton water.

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com