Westminster appears to be waking up to warnings over AI safety, with concerns over its use by extremist groups and bad actors

“I have this sense that, within a few months, AI is going to be all anyone is talking about,” said one cabinet minister, with an ominous stare.

It was Labour conference, with everyone from ministers to activists jubilant at Andy Burnham’s takeover and a bounce in the polls after the change of leader.

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© Photograph: MASTER/Getty Images

© Photograph: MASTER/Getty Images

© Photograph: MASTER/Getty Images

The government must stop allowing foreign companies to have access to our sensitive data, writes Ian White. Plus a letter from Bill Cawley

The UK cannot become dependent on foreign AI technology that can be switched off at short notice, says George Williamson, head of the Alan Turing Institute (Report, 10 October). The growing opposition to Palantir, an American company, having government contracts that give it access to sensitive data are all part of the same issue. The UK does not have digital sovereignty.

This is not a theoretical problem. The US government imposed targeted sanctions on the international criminal court, stopping all digital services to certain individuals. This could happen to a country.

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© Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

© Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

© Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has resumed its key systems and services after a Tabung Haji cyberattack on Oct 8 led to a temporary suspension, and the agency says depositors’ savings are safe. In a statement issued today, TH said the reactivation followed comprehensive security checks, the strengthening of controls and system recovery measures.

The agency also said it worked with national cybersecurity authorities to address the threat and reinforce system security, so that the reactivated services can operate safely. TH has lodged a police report and continues to monitor its systems closely.

Tabung Haji Cyberattack Led to Suspension Across All Channels

On Oct 8, TH temporarily suspended system and service operations across all channels. The agency said the suspension was meant to protect depositors’ savings and personal information after the attack caused service disruptions.

TH described the Tabung Haji cyberattack as a criminal act against TH and the nation, intended to disrupt its services. After the incident, its internal team worked with external experts and national cybersecurity authorities to investigate the event, address the threat and restore the systems.

Branches Reopen After Cyberattack

According to the statement, TH branches in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan resumed operations yesterday. Branches in other states opened as usual today. Services provided through strategic banking partners have also been reactivated.

The statement said the reactivation followed those checks and recovery measures. It added: “TH assures that depositors’ savings are safe. Close monitoring and security enhancements will continue to ensure that the reactivated systems and services operate safely and smoothly.”

THiJARI Platform Functions Still Pending Restoration

TH also announced that all functions of the THiJARI platform have resumed operations, with three exceptions. Password resets, new user registration and online account opening remain unavailable.

The agency said these three functions still require further restoration work before they can be reactivated. Updates will be communicated through TH’s official channels from time to time.

TH lodged a police report over the incident and notified the mNational Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the Department of Personal Data Protection (JPDP). It has collaborated with cybersecurity authorities to address the threat and reinforce system security, which it said ensures the safety of the reactivated services.

Guidance for Depositors After the Tabung Haji Cyberattack

TH urged depositors who detect unusual transactions, or who need assistance or have inquiries, to contact the TH Contact Centre (THCC) immediately at 03-6207 1919. The agency said it continues to monitor its systems closely and will keep strengthening security.

TH also thanked depositors for their patience, cooperation and support during the restoration period. “We once again apologise and deeply regret the incident; however, these measures were necessary to safeguard depositors’ savings,” the statement said.

Timeline at a Glance

• Oct 8: TH suspends system and service operations across all channels after the cyberattack.
• After the incident: TH’s internal team, external experts and national cybersecurity authorities investigate and restore the systems, a police report is lodged, and NACSA and JPDP are notified.
• Yesterday: Branches in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan resume operations.
• Today: Branches in other states open as usual.
• Also confirmed: services through strategic banking partners have been reactivated.
• Still pending: THiJARI password resets, new user registration and online account opening.

What Is Confirmed So Far

Based on the statement, three points are confirmed. Depositors’ savings are safe, key systems and services have resumed, and three THiJARI functions are still being restored.

TH said it will continue close monitoring and security enhancements, and it will share further updates through its official channels. Depositors with concerns can reach the THCC at 03-6207 1919.

The Denmark data breach has exposed the names, addresses and CPR numbers of approximately 8.8 million people after unauthorized users exploited a Danish company's legitimate access to the country's Central Person Register (CPR), according to the Danish government. The CPR administration became aware of irregular behavior in the system on October 2, after identifying activity that had occurred during September. An investigation found that unauthorized individuals had used a private Danish company's legal access to search the CPR system and obtain information on millions of registered people. The CPR currently contains information on approximately 11 million registered people, including those who are living in Denmark, people who have moved abroad and deceased individuals.

Denmark Data Breach Involved Legitimate CPR Access

The Denmark data breach did not result from unauthorized access being granted directly to the attackers. Instead, unauthorized users abused a private company's legitimate access to the CPR system. Under Section 38 of Denmark's Civil Registration Act, private companies with a legitimate interest can receive information from the CPR about specific groups of people they have individually identified in advance. Companies must also be entitled to receive the information under the General Data Protection Regulation and Denmark's Data Protection Act. The investigation found that unauthorized individuals used this legitimate access to retrieve information from the register. The exposed information includes names, addresses and CPR numbers, which serve as personal identification numbers in Denmark. The CPR administration said the unauthorized access did not include the names and addresses of people who had registered for name and address protection.

Investigation Into CPR Data Breach Continues

The CPR administration has stopped the company's access to the system and is working with specialists and relevant authorities to establish how the incident occurred. The case has been reported to the Danish Data Protection Authority, while police are investigating in cooperation with other relevant authorities. Authorities said the investigation remains in its early stages, and it is not yet possible to identify who was responsible for the unauthorized access. The CPR administration also warned that further investigation could lead to changes or clarification of the information currently available about the incident. Denmark's Minister of Research, Education and Digitalisation Christina Egelund described the incident as serious and said a thorough security review of the CPR system would be conducted. Additional measures have also been launched to prevent similar incidents.

What the Denmark Data Breach Means for Citizens

Authorities have reminded citizens not to provide passwords or other confidential information during phone calls or email exchanges, even when the person making contact appears to know their name, address or CPR number. Guidance is available through Denmark's Sikker Digital service, while the Cyberhotline for digital security has extended its opening hours from 8 a.m. to midnight in the coming days. The incident also highlights the risks associated with legitimate access to sensitive databases. In this case, the access used to obtain the information was originally available to a private company under Denmark's existing rules for accessing CPR data.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Puts Data Protection in Focus

The Denmark data breach comes during October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a period focused on improving awareness of digital security risks. The incident highlights why protecting access to sensitive personal information remains an important part of cybersecurity. For organizations handling large volumes of personal data, the case also shows the importance of monitoring legitimate access and identifying unusual activity. However, Danish authorities have stressed that the investigation is still underway and that the full circumstances of the incident have yet to be established.