Copenhagen:Unauthorized access to the personal data of approximately 8.8 million people in Denmark has been reported following a security breach involving the country's Central Register of Persons (CPR).

According to Anadolu Agency, the breach involved unauthorized individuals accessing names, addresses, and personal identification numbers. The Ministry of Research, Education and Digitalization has labeled the incident as 'deeply serious' and is investigating to understand its full scope.

The access was gained by exploiting a Danish company's legitimate right to search the CPR system. In response, authorities have suspended the company's access and informed the Danish Data Protection Agency about the breach.

The ministry clarified that the data of individuals who had opted for name and address protection was not affected. Meanwhile, Research, Education and Digitalization Minister Christina Egelund has advised the public to stay vigilant and refrain from sharing passwords or confidential information, even if contacted by someone who appears to know their personal details.

The CPR system holds records for about 11 million individuals, including deceased persons and Danish citizens residing abroad.