Authorities: Leak of 8.8 million CPR numbers may be the largest ever
Unauthorised actors have accessed millions of personal identification numbers, names and residential addresses in Denmark. The incident is now being investigated by both police and the data protection authority.
Authorities: Leak of 8.8 million CPR numbers may be the largest ever
More than 8.8 million Danish personal identification numbers may have fallen into the wrong hands. The information comes from a case in which foreign actors have been able to look up names, addresses and CPR numbers – including those of deceased persons. This is reported by the government in Copenhagen according to the Polish financial newspaper Bankier.pl.
Danish newspapers fear that the breach of the CPR register is the most extensive the country has ever seen. Minister for Digitalisation Christina Egelund has called the case "very serious" and asks the public to remain vigilant.
The perpetrator gained access through a private Danish company that had permission to search the system. This permission has now been withdrawn. Police are conducting an investigation, and the Data Protection Authority is also examining the breach of law. The Parliamentary Committee on Digital Affairs has also been notified.
There is as yet no clarity on the actual extent of the damage. Jens Myrup Pedersen, who researches IT security at Aarhus University, warns that the stolen data could end up in fraud campaigns. Criminals can send false messages and emails that appear to be from public authorities in order to extort money or additional personal information from citizens.
There is already speculation about whether those affected should receive new personal identification numbers. The CPR register contains approximately 11 million people in total – including former residents who have left the country, the deceased and current residents. Denmark currently has just under six million inhabitants.
Source: Google News PL