Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cybersecurity Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents demand details on cyber theft and late bills; city cites active investigations
Summary
At the Jan. meeting, residents pressed the Westminster City Council for clearer information after an apparent cyber compromise removed city funds and many residents received late utility bills. City officials said state and federal investigators have asked officials to limit public comment while probes continue.
Residents pressed the Westminster City Council during public comments for more information about a recent cyber incident that officials say resulted in the loss of city funds and disrupted billing.
"People all of us citizens are completely in the dark," said Wendy Golden, who told the council that many residents received utility bills late and that the city had not publicly explained how much money was taken, where it went or whether banking information had been exposed.
City Administrator Brunson responded that the State Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have ongoing investigations into the city’s cyber compromise and resulting financial fraud. "They've asked us not to say anything more than that because that could compromise the work that they're doing," Brunson said, adding that officials expect to make more information available once those investigations conclude.
The mayor and council said a press notice was released to local outlets, and council members said staff and councilors are receiving additional cybersecurity training. Brunson also said that, while citizens want details, publicly discussing investigative steps could hamper law-enforcement efforts.
Golden told council members she is disappointed by the lack of direct communication from the city and asked for clearer, timelier updates to customers. "Y'all have not said one word on the city page or to customers directly regarding this whole incident," she said.
Officials did not disclose specifics about the amount taken or details about recovery during the public meeting, citing the active law-enforcement probes. Brunson said the city will provide additional information to the public when cleared by investigators.
Council members said that the city is reviewing billing timing that delayed some utility statements and that staff will publicize any future anticipated delays. No formal vote or additional directive was taken on the record at the meeting; the council later moved into executive session.
