Denmark extends cyber hotline hours after major CPR data breach

Denmark has extended its cyber hotline hours following a major national data breach. The hotline will now stay open from 8 a.m. until midnight. Normally, it closes at 8 p.m. on weekdays. This comes after unauthorized access exposed 8.8 million records in the CPR system.

The breach involved legal access misused by a private Danish company during September. Authorities detected the unusual activity on October 2. The stolen data includes names, addresses, and CPR numbers. It covers living and deceased people, plus former residents who moved abroad.

Data protection authority Datatilsynet noted automated searches were looking for valid CPR numbers. National Special Crime Unit NSK is investigating the incident. Authorities have not yet identified who is responsible. Digitalization Minister Christina Egelund urges all residents to stay alert. Officials advise people to never share passwords with unknown callers.

The cyber hotline offers advice on digital security and identity misuse. Residents who suspect fraud can call to set up a credit warning. This warning forces companies to make extra checks before granting loans. The story was originally reported by CPH Post.