Alert level
Medium
CodeRED, the city of Thornton’s emergency alert provider, reported a targeted cyberattack that exposed user names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and passwords. Because CodeRED is an opt-in cloud-based system, the city cannot directly access user data of affected account holders. Residents who use the same password for CodeRED and other online accounts should change those passwords immediately.
Thornton, along with many other communities around the country, had been experiencing ongoing technical issues with the CodeRED system and has been working to move to their new platform. However, Thornton is disappointed in the lack of transparency from this company and their breach of trust in our data security. Thornton is reviewing its contract with CodeRED and evaluating alternative notification systems.
In the meantime, the city will issue emergency alerts through FEMA’s IPAWS system, social media, local news outlets and, if needed, door-to-door notifications. Residents are encouraged to follow the city of Thornton on social media platforms and turn on notifications for future updates.