Puerto Rico Power Utility Hacked but Customer Data Is Not Compromised

The electric power company and the government-owned corporation, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) told Reuters that its computer system infrastructure has suffered a cyberattack over the weekend, but customer data is not at risk.

According to Executive Director of PREPA, Justo Gonzalez Torres, the cyber attack took place last Saturday night. Even though the attack led to longer wait times at its service center, there is nothing to worry about the hack as the customer service system of PREPA was not affected and customer information is absolutely safe. Furthermore, the concerned authorities are protecting the systems and have started working to resolve the situation.

When asked about the possible sources of the cyber attack, a PREPA spokesperson said that the matter is undergoing an investigation and it is being referred to the relevant authorities.

It is the latest in a parade of troubles for PREPA, which last year filed a form of U.S. bankruptcy to shed some $9 billion in debt. Just after 4 months, in September, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico killing dozens and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. It also virtually destroyed PREPA’s grid, which knocked out power to all 3.4 million residents of the U.S. commonwealth. It was the worst storm to strike Puerto Rico in 90 years and it came when the territory was already facing a historic economic crisis.

Trying to fix things for PREPA, Ricardo Rossello who is a spokesperson for Puerto Rico Governor has announced plans to privatize Power Utility, which is burdened by outdated infrastructure and years of bloated administrative spending.