Cybersecurity is now a central factor in global power dynamics, as artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and quantum computing are rapidly reshaping threats. Amid this, Finland – renowned for its preparedness and cross-sector crisis training – faces new challenges. How is the country responding?
“Finland is a pioneer in preparedness in many ways. Our greatest strength is the ability to utilise the resources of the entire society in crisis situations. This requires joint planning, preparedness, and training. Another strength is citizens' crisis awareness. In Finland, people have a good understanding of the importance of preparedness, and we are at an internationally high level in terms of education and expertise”, says Aapo Cederberg, CEO and Founder of Cyberwatch Finland.
According to Cederberg, the major challenge is the scarcity of resources: many things are done with “poor man’s solutions” and not enough is invested in innovation or technological development. According to him, more investment is needed in these areas, and companies should develop both technology and expertise.
Leaders need to be better educated, have a clearer picture of the situation, and make decisions faster.
“The cheapest and most effective way to improve cybersecurity is education. Finland has a significant strength in this area, and we must ensure that discussions about increasing security also turn into action. Cyber resilience is built on culture, expertise, and leadership. Leaders need to be better educated, have a clearer picture of the situation, and make decisions faster”, Cederberg sums up.
Geopolitics, AI, and cybercrime are intertwined
Cyberattacks have increased as a direct result of global economic and political instability, reflecting how the cyber environment mirrors the broader geopolitical situation. Increasingly, these attacks are part of hybrid warfare and information-influence campaigns. According to Cederberg, AI use in this field is becoming increasingly prominent as attackers aim to influence decisions and create fear.
“Vladimir Putin said years ago that whoever controls AI controls the world – and we are now starting to see it. AI plays a key role in both defence and offence. Cybercrime is now the third largest economy in the world, and it has enormous resources to exploit AI.”
Attackers are not bound by rules or accountability requirements, so they can react more quickly. According to Cederberg, this creates an asymmetry that resembles an AI arms race. In the cyber world, the largest state actors have formed an axis in which criminal actors support state cyber operations.
Quantum computing and other security threats challenge cyber defence
Quantum computing is also one of the million-dollar questions for the future. Its timetable and effects are still uncertain, but if it enables the unlocking of old, encrypted data, the consequences could be huge. Quantum computers can break many current encryption methods much faster than regular computers, so someone could already collect encrypted data today in the hope that it can be unlocked in the future.
“There is a huge amount of stolen, encrypted data in the world, and if it is ever unlocked, the data could end up in the hands of criminals. On the other hand, quantum computing also offers the opportunity to develop a new generation of encryption methods. So, it is both a threat and an opportunity, but one that is very significant geopolitically.”
Monitoring the dark web is crucial for spotting early warning signs and criminal activity.
Ransomware, identity theft, the dark web, and supply chain security are also worth talking about.
“Ransomware may take new forms, but the threat remains. As digital identity underpins trust, identity thefts are likely to increase. Monitoring the dark web is crucial for spotting early warning signs and criminal activity. Ongoing geopolitical tensions also make supply chain security a continual challenge.”
Cybersecurity is always an opportunity: everything starts with people
Although the cybersecurity field presents various challenges, it also offers enormous opportunities. When digitalisation is combined with responsible and sustainable cybersecurity, it leads to greater resilience and well-being. Cybersecurity becomes a growth engine for modern society, generating investment and creating job.
“Most of the successes or failures of cyberattacks are due to people. Finland’s strength lies precisely in people: in expertise, education, and the ability to cooperate”, Cederberg sums up.
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing create both new opportunities and serious risks, forcing states and companies to constantly adapt to an evolving cybersecurity landscape. This landscape is shaped by technology, geopolitical tensions, and changing criminal tactics.
Ultimately, success is not defined by technology, but by our ability to work together – upholding trust, expertise, and responsibility even in times of crisis.
Which cyber threats will test organisations' resilience, especially in 2026? Find out and read more about Technology Trends 2026!
