In an episode of our podcast "Beyond Tomorrow," Filip Abrahamsson, Senior Expert Consultant at Plantvision, and My Bergdahl, Economic Policy Expert responsible for digital commerce and standardization at Teknikföretagen, discuss digitization, cybersecurity, and the ripple effects of the new EU directives.
"We are facing a digital revolution, and it's no longer just a question of staying competitive, but of surviving as a business," says Filip Abrahamsson in the Beyond Tomorrow podcast.
Stricter requirements at EU level
As EU legislation is tightened and developed to meet the challenges of the digital age, it has a direct impact on how we in Sweden must adapt our laws and regulations. The new EU directive, NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive), is an example of a regulatory framework that tightens the requirements for cybersecurity in a number of organizations. It places clearer requirements on both private and public organizations to take responsibility for their digital protection - not only to avoid sanctions, but also to ensure their survival in an increasingly connected world.
But what do these changes actually mean? And how can Swedish businesses and organizations prepare for the new cybersecurity requirements?
New legal requirements, new opportunities
The upcoming NIS2 legislation means:
- Cybersecurity threat identification and reporting becomes more systematic
- Requirement to carry out risk analysis and take measures to manage them such as having the right technology and trained staff
"It's no longer enough to just have antivirus software. Cybersecurity must be part of the entire business strategy, from the boardroom to the production floor," - My Bergdahl, Beyond Tomorrow podcast
For manufacturing companies, the threats can mean:
- Economic losses, physical damage and production stoppages
- Major security risks in connected production environments
- For medical device companies, lack of cybersecurity can threaten both patients' privacy and lives
Let's reflect a bit on this. How can you not only comply with the new requirements, but also use them to strengthen security and competitiveness? Can smarter investments in cybersecurity simultaneously improve your digital infrastructure and create new value for customers?
Digitalization drives development - but at what cost?
Digitization is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity to keep up with the times. Artificial intelligence, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing the way we work, providing opportunities to optimize production, improve customer experiences and reduce costs. But the more we rely on connected technology, the greater the risks of cyberattacks.
"Much of the growth of the future will be through digital solutions, but we need to be aware that every digital opportunity also brings a security threat," Filip emphasizes.
It is important that businesses have a clear strategy to address the increased risks. If a cyberattack takes out critical systems, businesses must be able to act quickly to minimize downtime and restore operations in the shortest possible time. In addition, it is crucial to be prepared for the sanctions and fines that may follow if the rules of the new legislation are not respected.
Cybersecurity - an issue for the boardroom
Traditionally, cybersecurity has been seen as an IT department issue, but in today's digital landscape it needs to be elevated to the highest level of management. It is an issue that affects the strategy and long-term survival of the entire organization. Investing in cybersecurity is not just a cost - it is an investment in the future.
"Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a strategic issue that directly affects the company's long-term business plans," My Bergdahl points out.
For decision-makers and managers in manufacturing companies and public administration, it is important to understand that cybersecurity issues are no longer just technical. They are business-critical. A successful cyber attack can have far-reaching consequences, not only for a company's operations, but also for its reputation, customer trust and future growth opportunities. It therefore becomes even more important to develop a strategy that takes into account both the business strategic and technical side of cybersecurity.
Future challenges & opportunities
As the EU tightens its cybersecurity requirements, we in Sweden must not only follow suit - we need to be at the forefront. This is an opportunity for Swedish companies to take the lead and show how we can use digitalization and a robust security mindset to not only protect ourselves, but also create new competitive advantages.
By integrating cybersecurity as an integral part of the digital strategy, businesses can not only minimize risks, but also increase their value proposition. Digitization is no longer just about improving efficiency - it is about creating the business models of the future.
All this really boils down to one essential question:
Are you ready to face the future with sufficient cybersecurity to grow and compete in an increasingly connected world?
Pst. You haven't missed our free on-demand webinar on NIS2 and cybersecurity in IT/OT environments?
