Several municipalities are warning residents about phishing after an external supplier was hit by a cyberattack.
Software supplier Vanden Broele has been hit by a cyberattack. More than 100 local authorities use the company’s software for digital signatures, among other things. Since this weekend, for example, people in the municipality of Steenokkerzeel have been unable to sign digital documents via eSignFlow, one of Vanden Broele’s tools.
The city of Peer is now also warning residents about suspicious messages, especially concerning GAS 5 fines and certificates. “Data has probably been stolen, but for now there are no indications that data of Peer residents is involved”, Peer mayor Steven Matheï (CD&V) told VRT nws.
Several services
“The situation differs greatly from one municipality to another”, Bram Van Impe, CEO of Vanden Broele, told VRT nws. “In the vast majority, nothing or very little has leaked. In a number of municipalities, more has leaked. We are currently in contact with the affected municipalities, so that they all know exactly where they stand.”
Several local authorities, including Genk, Peer, Steenokkerzeel, Leopoldsburg, Sint-Truiden and Beringen, have informed residents. It is not yet clear exactly how many municipalities are involved. Since more than 100 local authorities use the software, the number may still rise.
City of Peer
One of the affected municipalities is the city of Peer. The supplier supports the city with, among other things, the processing of GAS 5 fines and the digital signing of certain certificates. If you receive a GAS 5 fine, it is therefore best to check the payment details. “The only correct account number is BE19 0910 1717 7012. A message in eBox should be consulted directly via the official My eBox environment or a trusted application.”
“We are taking the incident seriously: we have reported it to the competent authorities and, as a precaution, we are asking residents to be extra vigilant for suspicious emails, text messages, phone calls and payment requests”, the city of Peer said in an announcement. “If in doubt: do not respond, do not click and do not pay. Check first.”