The number of incidents in which people’s CPR numbers are accidentally placed on publicly accessible computer networks is on the rise.
According to Datatilsynet, the state data protection agency, in 2008 there were ten such instances reported.
This year it expects over 70, with each unintended release of information potentially including thousands of personal identification numbers. In the past week alone Datatilsynet reacted to reports that parliament, the City Council and nature agency Naturstyrelsen had all unintentionally made CPR numbers public.
The security concern is not limited to computer data. Pictures indicate that over the past month Herlev Hospital had over 1,000 patient medical records left in locations accessible to unauthorised individuals. CPR numbers can be used to obtain information about an individual, obtain loans or set up bank accounts.
Jyllands-Posten
