The central file that reviews residents or those registered in Denmark has been hacked, allowing access to the data of 8.8 million people, announced on Monday the Danish ministry responsible for digitalization.
“The National Registry Administration (CPR) has found that unauthorized individuals have illegally gained access, particularly to names, addresses, and CPR numbers (equivalent to the social security number, ed.) of approximately 8.8 million registered individuals (alive, emigrated, deceased, etc.)”, according to a press release from the Danish Ministry, as reported by France Presse and Agerpres agencies.
An investigation is underway, but for the moment the perpetrators of this intrusion have not been identified, according to the same source.
They obtained access, legally, through a Danish company, access which was subsequently revoked.
On Friday, the administration was informed about an “anomaly” in the CPR system “during the month of September”, and over the weekend the number of data obtained could be established.
“We analyze the entire dimension of the incident”
“This is an extremely serious incident,” stated Minister Christina Egelund, quoted in the statement. “Together with all the authorities involved, we are in the process of mapping the entire dimension of the incident,” she added.
As a result of this leak, the administration announced that it has implemented measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
The national register contains data on 11 million people. In addition to the individuals who currently live and reside in Denmark, it also includes information about deceased persons and those who have left the country.
The statement also specifies that individuals who benefit from the protection of their address and name were not affected by the data leak.