Poland faces massive data breach affecting 18.8 million people

data breach PESEL MyDr identity theft cybersecurity

A massive data breach involving the systems of company MyDr has prompted a surge in Polish citizens attempting to secure their PESEL (Personal Identification Number) identifiers. The Ministry of Digital Affairs has indicated that the unauthorized access to historical data may affect up to 18.8 million people and involves over 12,000 medical facilities.

In response to the leak, long queues have formed at municipal offices in cities such as Łódź and Lublin. In Łódź, the number of people requesting to freeze their PESEL numbers rose to over 1,000 in just six days, compared to approximately 400 for the entire month of July.

Governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Personal Data Protection Office, are advising those potentially affected to consider freezing their PESEL numbers. Officials have noted that this can be done digitally via the mObywatel application or the gov.pl website to avoid the need for in-person visits.