Halifax Water continuing to investigate privacy breach

Halifax Water’s Robie Street Reservoir is shown through fencing. (CTV Atlantic/ Callum Smith)

Halifax Water says it is continuing to investigate a privacy incident involving its online Customer Connect Portal.

The utility says the portal remains offline while it, and the external vendor that operates the platform, complete an investigation to determine what information may have been accessed, and to what extent.

Halifax Water says the incident is limited to the customer portal and has not affected its day-to-day operations, water quality or public health.

The utility adds there is no indication of financial, or banking information being involved.

Customers can still access services through other channels while the portal is offline, and the utility says billing and its advanced metering infrastructure remain unaffected.

Halifax Water says it is working with the municipality’s access and privacy office and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Jill Balser says privacy incidents are concerning for residents, but cyber events are becoming more common.

Balser says Halifax Water contacted appropriate authorities about the issue on Friday and an update to the public is expected. She also encouraged people to take steps to protect their own information, such as regularly changing passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.

The utility is also warning customers to be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails or text messages claiming to be from Halifax Water, noting it is not contacting customers about the incident.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page