Denmark's Ministry of Digitalisation says hackers accessed personal data for about 8.8 million people by exploiting a private company's lawful connection to the country's central civil registry, Euronews reports.

Kristina Egelund, the minister for digitalisation, described the incident as "very serious" and said an investigation into the perpetrators has begun.

According to the ministry, unauthorized parties obtained names, addresses and the 10-digit personal identification numbers known as CPR, which Danes use when interacting with government agencies, banks and health services.

Denmark's population is around 6 million, but the central civil registry holds records for roughly 11 million people, including those who have died or emigrated. In total, the ministry says data for about 8.8 million individuals were exposed.

The government emphasised that attackers did not breach the registry directly. Instead, they gained access through a Danish company that legally had a connection to the system. Officials say that company's access has been blocked and the police are investigating.

It remains unclear who is responsible for the intrusion. Egelund has ordered a comprehensive security review of the central civil registration system and urged citizens to be alert to suspicious calls and emails.