Telenor Blocks 1.4 Billion Digital Crime Attempts in First Half of 2026

Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor reported blocking a staggering 1.4 billion unsafe websites and digital crime attempts during the first half of 2026. This figure highlights the pervasive nature of online threats targeting users in Norway.

The company noted a significant surge in scam calls in July, intercepting over 18 million such attempts that month alone. This contrasts sharply with the 4.9 million scam calls recorded between April and June, indicating an escalating wave of fraudulent activity. Telenor Norge CEO Birgitte Engebretsen stated that the high number of blockages demonstrates the effectiveness of their security measures in preventing most threats from reaching recipients.

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The number of scam attempts against Norwegians has been very high for several years. The number of blockages our security teams perform is proof that our measures are working, and that the vast majority never reaches the recipient it was intended for.

These sophisticated scam attempts include phishing and malware distribution. Telenor provided legal assistance to 624 customers who fell victim to digital crimes. The company's security pulse report for the first half of the year also revealed that one in four Norwegians feel they lack sufficient knowledge to protect themselves from online threats.

Engebretsen stressed the shared responsibility in combating digital crime, urging both the company's security teams to continue public education efforts and individuals to become more informed about their online vulnerabilities. The increasing complexity of these attacks underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and robust security protocols.

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I dare say that everyone who is online has been exposed to attempts at digital crime, but many attempts probably go unnoticed. We who work with digital security have a responsibility to conduct public education. It is very important. At the same time, most people must familiarize themselves with what makes them vulnerable online.