Energy suppliers Essent and Vattenfall have alerted their customers about a data breach at AddComm, which was affected by a ransomware attack. AddComm handles the dispatch of letters for these companies, and there are concerns about the exposure of customer data. The exact nature of the data involved is still under investigation by AddComm.
Vattenfall has advised its customers to be cautious about phishing messages or scams over the phone as the investigation continues. The company is in discussions with AddComm to determine if any of their customer data was compromised. If it is confirmed that Vattenfall customer data is involved, affected individuals will be notified promptly. Vattenfall emphasized the importance of keeping customers informed even though the breach did not directly occur within their systems.
Essent has also issued a statement on its website, confirming the ransomware attack on AddComm and the temporary suspension of data connections as a precautionary measure. Essent has informed the relevant authorities and assured customers that no data appears to have been published or sold at this stage. They are committed to informing affected customers if their data is found to be compromised, specifically those who prefer paper mail over emails.
AddComm, which processes data for tax assessments, bills, and reminders for about sixty municipalities and commercial entities, is actively investigating the breach. Both Essent and Vattenfall are working closely with AddComm to mitigate the impact of the breach and ensure the security of their customer information. The companies have stressed the importance of vigilance among customers to avoid potential scams resulting from the data breach.
