Cyber Attack Exposes Personal Data of 8.8 Million in Denmark

Danish authorities have announced a significant cybersecurity incident, revealing that hackers successfully breached the nation's national registry, gaining unauthorized access to personal information belonging to approximately 8.8 million individuals. The digital affairs ministry confirmed the breach on Monday, stating that the compromised data primarily includes names, residential addresses, and Denmark's unique social security numbers, known as CPR numbers.

The ministry's press release detailed that the affected individuals include both living citizens and those who are deceased or have emigrated from the country. Digital Affairs Minister, Christina Egelund, underscored the gravity of the situation, remarking, "This is an extremely serious incident." She further assured the public that, in collaboration with all relevant agencies, efforts are underway to fully ascertain the scope and impact of the breach.

While Denmark's current population stands at roughly six million, the national registry's database is extensive, holding records for about 11 million people, encompassing past and present residents. Investigations have been initiated to identify those responsible for the attack, but the hackers remain at large.

Government officials disclosed that the breach was executed by targeting a Danish company that possessed legitimate access to the national registry. Crucially, the unauthorized access gained through this third-party compromise has not yet been revoked.