There are fears personal information for thousands could have been compromised in a computer hack at a municipality in northern Alberta.

Officials with the Municipal District of Opportunity Number 17 are concerned someone may have gained access to sensitive information such as social insurance numbers, credit card numbers and bank account information.

It's estimated about 3,400 people live in the seven hamlets that make up the municipality, which is now completely unplugged.

RCMP and the Privacy Commissioner are investigating.

According to a news release issued by the municipality, it's believed that ``sensitive personal and financial information'' of employees, utility account holders and ratepayers may have been accessed.

The municipality apologized for the situation and ``any inconvenience that this may have caused.''

``Our payroll system is our biggest worry because all our employees personal information,'' said Deborah Juch, manager of the municipality's legislative services.

``Of all our ratepayers, anyone who owns a utility account, everybody. We buy things and sell things, too, so our vendors potentially.''


The Canadian Press