FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Lynnwood Aware of AFTS, Inc. Data Security Issue
No direct threat to City of Lynnwood's network or customers

LYNNWOOD, WA (February 18, 2021) - The City of Lynnwood has been informed of a security/data incident related to our utility billing vendor, Automatic Funds Transfer Services, Inc (AFTS). On February 4, AFTS servers were encrypted by ransomware and they experienced a data breach. There is no direct threat to the City of Lynnwood's network or our customers as a result of this incident.

The City of Lynnwood contracts with AFTS to mail our printed utility statements to customers. Information that is included in the mailed statements includes the customer name, address, and utility account number. Lynnwood's information stored in the AFTS database is limited to data necessary to fulfill the printing and mailing of utility bills. Payment methods are processed by a different vendor who has not been impacted by this incident.

The City of Lynnwood takes cybersecurity and the responsibility to safeguard our customer information very seriously. We always suggest that customers monitor their bank accounts and credit card accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Due to the current circumstances, utility statements mailed to our customers may be delayed, however we are not imposing late fees at this time. If you have questions about your utility bill or account, please contact our Utility Billing staff at 425-670-5170 or by email at UB@LynnwoodWA.gov. 

Contact:

Julie Moore, Public Affairs Officer
jmoore@LynnwoodWA.gov

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