Internet safety on government websites has been seriously compromised by Iranian hackers.
NOS Nieuws answers some readers’ questions.

What exactly is the problem?
There has been a break in at internet security firm DigiNotar. It provides website security certificates. Every time you visit a site, such as DidiD, the browser checks whether the site can be trusted. Since the break in there is no way of telling.
Is it possible that the hackers have my my DigiD password?
There are no guarantees that they haven’t. Experts don’t agree. In theory, the information sent by using the password may have arrived, and even stored, somewhere else. Home affairs minister Jan Hein Donner has not ruled out that this may have happened but so far there is no proof that passwords have been stolen or used inappropriately.
What risks have I been exposed to while using Belastindiens.nl and other such sites?
The DigiD logfiles don’t show signs of anything untoward. In theory, they could have been tampered with by third parties, however.
Should I change my DigiD password?
In order to change your password you need to log in with your old password. It is advisable to stear clear of DigiD for the next few days.
What if I have been internet banking?
According to the banks internet banking remains safe.‘We do not use DigiNotar safety certificates’, the banks have let NOS know.
Is there anything I can do to safeguard my on line privacy or do I just stand idly by and not go to any official government site?
The best advice is not to go to DidiD or Belastingdienst.nl for the next few days until a complete list of unsafe sites has been compiled.
What is being done to remedy the problem?
The government has taken over DigiNotar. Official government sites are being issued with proper safety certificates as soon as possible. This can take several days. The sites have to remain active because otherwise communications between public services would grind to a halt.
This is an unofficial translation