Cyberaanval leidt tot diefstal van 1873 documenten met persoonlijke gegevens van Twentenaren
Today, 18:56 • 3 minutes read
The risk of personal data of Twentenaren being exposed after a cyber attack on software provider AddCom is ‘very small’, according to the Municipal Tax Office Twente (GBT). Last month, hackers stole data from AddComm, including information from the GBT. “We now know which data has been stolen,” the GBT informed the affected individuals. “In total, 1837 leaked documents were involved.” AddComm handles communication with customers for a large number of companies, institutions, and governments. Numerous housing corporations, water boards, municipalities, and energy suppliers are clients of the company. The GBT also manages the sending of emails, payment requests, and tax assessments through the Amersfoort-based company that fell victim to a ransomware attack last month. Cybercriminals managed to steal data from several Twentenaren. The hackers obtained 1873 documents from the GBT’s administration, which collects municipal taxes in eight municipalities in Overijssel. “We deeply regret this,” the GBT expressed to those affected. The tax office did not disclose the exact nature of the documents or their contents. However, the GBT stated that they concern “a small number of documents containing personal information.” The GBTwente collects municipal taxes for eight municipalities in Twente, namely Almelo, Borne, Enschede, Haaksbergen, Hengelo, Losser, Oldenzaal, and Twenterand. In the Achterhoek region, the municipalities of Bronckhorst and Berkelland have entrusted the GBT with the task of tax collection and enforcement. The organization, which is one of the five largest tax offices in the Netherlands, has informed individuals whose personal information is included in the stolen documents by letter. The data that was stolen includes names, addresses, places of residence, the property’s property value (WOZ-waarde), and the amount on the tax assessment sent on behalf of the GBT by AddCom. The hackers did not obtain bank account numbers and/or BSN numbers of residents or entrepreneurs, confirmed the GBT. The GBT believes that the stolen data will not be made public, as software provider AddComm has paid a ransom to prevent it. “In collaboration with a cybersecurity expert, AddComm agreed immediately after negotiating with the cybercriminals that they will not publish or delete the stolen data,” the GBT stated. “As a result, the likelihood of your personal information being disclosed is very low.” However, the Twentse tax office cannot provide a guarantee. Individuals who have received a letter informing them that their data has been stolen are advised not to open emails from unknown senders, not to open attachments in emails from strangers, and not to click on links if the sender is not recognized. Additionally, the GBT warns: “Be cautious of messages that appear to be from your bank. Always verify with your bank whether the communication is genuine.” Those affected should also exercise caution when sharing personal information via email, SMS, or post. Do you have a news tip or new information? Tip the editorial team via WhatsApp or email. Latest news