The cyber operating environment is changing with geopolitics and technological development

Digital infrastructures have been a key part of energy distribution, financing systems, healthcare, and public administration. At the same time, technological development – in particular, progress in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and autonomous systems – is changing the threat environment faster than the regulatory and administrative structures can adapt to. While AI can strengthen defences, it also lowers the threshold for attacks and enables even more targeted influencing.

In a changing situation, organizations need to reassess the following:

• Their dependence on foreign technology suppliers

• Their ability to manage and protect their own data

• The adequacy of their resources during emergencies and crises

• The level of their competence in relation to the rate of technological development

Cyber security is not a separate IT function; instead, it is a part of all decision-making. It is directly related to business continuity, the reliability of deliveries, and the national security of supply.

While transatlantic cooperation will remain important, the opinion that the management of critical technology, data, and supply chains must also be developed by means of local solutions has become increasingly popular in Europe. Digital sovereignty does not mean withdrawal; instead, it refers to the ability to act and make decisions even in cases of disturbances.

For Finland, a highly digitalized society, cyber capabilities are a part of overall security. Disturbances in critical systems will quickly reflect across the entire society. Therefore, domestic competences, close cooperation between companies and authorities, and the government’s long-term investment in innovations and competence development are key.

In a pronounced geopolitical situation, it is more important than ever to:

• Reinforce domestic and European cyber security solutions

• Secure the operation of critical systems, even in case of disturbances

• Develop national competences and research

• Secure the supply chains and increase technological transparency

Cyber security simultaneously means security policy and competitiveness. It defines how reliably our society operates and how credible Finland is as a partner and investment target in an operating environment where digital infrastructure is an inseparable part of society’s capabilities.

Insta is committed to developing its competences and high security-level solutions that support national security and the continuity of critical functions in Finland as well as internationally. Combining technology, competence, and partnerships ensures that we will remain a reliable partner for cyber security going forward as well.