Personal information of Lewes Board of Public Works customers may have been exposed as part of a hack of the BPW’s customer information system.

BPW General Manager Darrin Gordon said he was notified May 28 by the Department of Homeland Security of a potential breach involving customers’ names, emails, credit card, debit card or other financial account information.

“Although we are not aware of any actual misuse of your information, we are providing notice to you and other potentially affected customers about steps you can take to protect yourself against possible identity theft or fraud,” Gordon said in a notice to customers.

Upon receiving notice of the apparent breach, the BPW immediately isolated the computer system in question and began compiling information to notify all affected customers, Gordon said. All affected customers are receiving an email, phone call and letter informing them of the breach.

“We have also notified our software vendor and are actively working with said vendor to identify and secure the suspected breach,” Gordon said. “Once we have identified and corrected the vulnerabilities, we will then test and bring the system online.”

The BPW is recommending anyone potentially affected immediately contact their credit or debit card company or bank and inform them that their information may have been compromised, and to follow any steps they may recommend. The BPW is also recommending customers review their credit card and banking statements and report any suspicious activity to their financial institution, and to consider changing password and security questions on affected accounts.

“We are not trying to cause undue concern, yet out of an abundance of caution, we are being as open and forthcoming as possible,” Gordon said. “This will not have any effect on our ability to continue to provide first class electric, water, sewer and stormwater services.”