Viking Line has revealed a significant data breach that has come to light this week, prompting the company to engage with experts to investigate the incident. According to the communication director, Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, they are in contact with both Traficom and the data protection authority while working with their IT department and other specialists to establish the facts surrounding the breach. The breach reportedly affects customers who pre-ordered tax-free items, and while the number affected is in the thousands, officials mention it is not in the hundreds of thousands.

Boijer-Svahnström indicated that the exact number of individuals impacted is not yet clear, but the company is making efforts to contact the relevant customers as soon as possible. The communications lead assures that the leaked information does not include sensitive data, mainly consisting of address information. This data breach occurred at Digitalist Experience Oy, a subcontractor that operates as Viking's system provider, underscoring the chain of responsibility in data handling and cybersecurity.

The case remains fresh, and because it is still under investigation, there has not yet been a criminal report filed. This allows Viking Line to take a proactive approach in managing the situation and communicating with their customers, demonstrating their commitment to transparency during a challenging time. It also raises broader concerns about data security in the travel industry as companies grapple with the risks posed by third parties and the potential impact on customer trust.