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Detroit offering free credit monitoring after security breach hits current, former workers

Posted at 6:44 AM, Jan 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-24 06:44:40-05

DETROIT (WXYZ) — The City of Detroit will offer free credit monitoring for more than 15,000 current and former workers who were victims of a security breach.

A spokesperson says a handful of email accounts were compromised on Jan. 16. The Department of Innovation and Technology contained the breach to fewer than 10 affected accounts.

“At this time, there is no evidence – and it is highly unlikely – that any of this personal data was accessed. However, out of an abundance of caution and care for the privacy and security of our employees, the City of Detroit will be offering free credit monitoring services for a period of one year,” Chief Information Officer Beth Niblock said.

Some accounts reportedly contained sensitive information, but the majority of data was encrypted.

Officials say sensitive information pertaining to fewer than 300 of the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department's customers could have been compromised, as well. As a precaution, DWSD will be reaching out directly to the customers potentially affected, who will also be offered free credit monitoring for one year.