Epe municipality races to uncover extent of major data breach affecting residents
A cyberattack on Epe’s municipal systems has exposed 600,000 files, including personal data of residents. Authorities are working urgently to identify victims and assess risks, warning of potential fraud. Stay alert and check for updates.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Professional hack of municipal ICT systems |
| Files stolen | 600,000 files, including personal data |
| Current investigation | Phase 1: General personal data (e.g., names, addresses) and identity data |
| Next phase | Special categories (e.g., health data) |
| Expected update | By March 31 via epe.nl/datalek-gemeente-epe |
| Advice for residents | Monitor for fraud; visit veiliginternetten.nl |
| Systems security | Secured; all services remain operational |
The Municipality of Epe is responsible for safeguarding residents' personal data and ensuring the security of its digital infrastructure. In cases of data breaches, it must conduct thorough investigations to assess risks and inform affected individuals, often collaborating with cybersecurity experts.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Epe conducting extensive investigation into data breach
We recently announced that there had been a breach of our ICT systems. This involved a professional hack in which 600,000 files were stolen from an internal work disk. Unfortunately, the hack also resulted in the theft of files containing personal data. Due to the large number and size of the files, it is taking time to determine exactly which data has been leaked and whose data it is.
It is not yet known who is responsible for the hack or what has been and/or will be done with the files.
Investigation into data takes time
A specialized bureau is currently examining the leaked files to determine exactly what data they contain and whose data it is. The investigation is time-consuming because the files are numerous, varied, and not neatly organized. The investigation is being conducted in several phases:
March 14–27: Investigation into general personal data and identity data
First, we want to identify any general personal data in the files so that we can inform those affected as quickly as possible. We are also checking whether the files contain identity data and, if so, whose. General personal data includes items such as name, address, place of residence, and telephone number. Identity data includes, for example, the Citizen Service Number (BSN) or ID document numbers.
We expect the results of this investigation by the end of this week and will inform you as soon as possible via our website. This means that an update will be posted on this page by Tuesday, March 31 at the latest.
Additional investigation into special categories of personal data
Once the initial investigation is complete, we will have a better understanding of which files were stolen, and we will begin investigating special categories of data, such as health data. This investigation will take longer because this type of data is less easily detected by investigation software. If particularly high-risk data is found, those affected will be informed personally.
Mayor Tom Horn: “I fully understand that residents are concerned about whether and which of their data has been leaked. It can feel unsafe and unpleasant. Because there are so many files, it is taking time to determine what has been leaked and whose data it is. The investigation must be thorough, and that takes time. We are doing our utmost to inform our residents as quickly and accurately as possible. I ask for your understanding and patience.”
What does a data breach mean for residents?
Criminals can misuse personal data, for example, for fraud. Residents, employees, and partners of the Municipality of Epe should be vigilant. For advice and tips on safe internet use, visit veiliginternetten.nl or Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens.
What does the data breach mean for the security of the Municipality of Epe’s systems?
Together with cybersecurity experts, the municipality has immediately checked and secured its systems. As a result, all services for residents, institutions, and businesses have been and remain operational.