Communauto says it was hit by data breach initiated by its own employee. Estimated 2 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. Asian Tribune is working with its partners to continually review and improve the results. The Montreal car-sharing company Communauto said it was hit by a potential data breach after one of its employees tried to access customers' personal information. In an email sent to affected customers on Monday evening, Communauto said the incident happened during the night of Sept. 3 to 4. "Our investigation determined that an automated script had been deployed without authorization by an employee in an attempt to access and download customer records," the email reads. The company says police executed a search warrant the next day at the residence of the employee suspected of carrying out the breach to seize their computer equipment. Communauto says account passwords and payment information were not affected by the breach, but that personal information, including people's names, addresses and driver's licence numbers, was. If the customer had a photograph of themselves or of their licence attached to their file, then those were downloaded as well. In a statement to CBC, Communauto's vice-president of strategic development, Marco Viviani, said the breach affected about two per cent of its users, representing "some thousand members" Canada-wide. "At this stage, we hope that no data was disclosed externally," he said. "Based on the information available to us, we did not believe it was necessary for anyone to be taken into custody, but we have not received any additional details since law enforcement became involved." Viviani says the company hired a specialized consulting firm to monitor the web and dark web for any signs of data exposure. Communauto says those affected by the breach should "remain vigilant regarding unsolicited emails, phone calls, and text messages, particularly those requesting personal information, payment, urgent action, or encouraging you to click on a link or open an attachment." It says customers should set up multi-factor authentication and make sure their account password is strong and unique.

Resident-exclusive Communauto car-sharing options launch in Banff. Published: June 19, 2026 at 1:46PM EDT The Town of Banff and car-sharing company Communauto are teaming to launch new options for locals. Residents of the southern Alberta resort town are getting exclusive access to new shared vehicles at three stations. Two vehicles at Bear Street Parkade are available now. Two more at Beaver Street across from the high school and another at Cougar Street at Fox Street will be available soon. Small town; big challenges. Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno noted in a release issued Friday that the town has been "the same size since 1990." She said the town faces limited space for parking and housing, and residents face a high cost of living. She said this deal offers relief. "This partnership with Communauto helps residents avoid the costs of fuel, maintenance and repairs, while allowing the municipality to prioritize land for much-needed housing instead of for parking," DiManno said. Communauto vice-president Marco Viviani said in Friday's release the car-sharing company is happy to help. "Carsharing is particularly well-suited to communities that want to prioritize public transit and active transportation while offering a credible alternative to private car ownership," Viviani said. Positive response. "This is great!" Chris Foote commented on the Town of Banff's Facebook post. "Banff is one of the easiest communities to get by without a car, but still, we are in Canada and you will need one quite a bit. "I hope this is successful and maybe expands." "Great Idea!" Jo Anna wrote. "Car co-ops have existed and thrived across small-town B.C. for over a decade. "It's about time for the Bow Valley." How to get a membership. Banff residents can sign up at banff.communauto.com using promo code BANFF60 to start with a $60 credit. Different plans are available to meet different needs. "This offer is available exclusively to Banff residents who are new to Communauto and is subject to eligibility requirements," Friday's release said.