Personal information ‘likely stolen’ in Municipality of the County of Kings cyberattack

KENTVILLE, N.S. — The Municipality of the County of Kings says a cyberattack in July likely affected people’s personal information, including people’s names and email addresses who corresponded with the municipality.

Municipal staff brought in experts to investigate and now believe the initial intrusion took place on July 10 by exploiting a software vulnerability on one of the municipality’s servers.

The municipality said the sensitive personal information of municipal employees, and councillors was “likely stolen,” while other organizations receiving pension-related services from the municipality were also affected.

The names and email addresses of anyone who has corresponded with the municipality could be included in the information that was taken, the municipality said.

In the days following the incident, the county’s website, internet and all systems were taken down. The majority of municipal services and the website are now back online.

Those who receive communication from the County of Kings requesting personal information or payment are asked to call the municipality directly to ensure it’s legitimate.

Municipal officials said no payment card information was affected.

The municipality said anyone who believes they’ve been the victim of identity theft or their information has been misused fraudulently should call the RCMP.

People can also look into credit monitoring and identity theft protection services and monitor their financial statements.