Sweden updates its Cyber Security Action Plan

The Swedish Comprehensive Information and Cyber Security Action Plan 2019–22 has been updated, setting out new action plans for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the new National Cyber Security Coordination Centre (NSC), the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced on 2 March.

The document details new activities involving the NCSC, such as developing co-ordinated management of cyber-security incidents; establishing a national platform for private-public collaboration; and developing adapted situations and analyses regarding threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in the cyber domain.

Therese Naess, head of the NCSC, informed Janes that, to prepare for the establishment of the NCSC, a working group would be created, which will focus on matters related to establishment of contacts with organisations in both the private and public sectors. She was unable to confirm which organisations they would collaborate with; however, she noted the centre would most likely co-operate with governmental agencies, regions and municipalities, businesses, and organisations representing specific sectors.

Another key update in the plan is the establishment of the NSC, which aims to promote Swedish research and innovation in cyber security. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has been tasked at co-ordinating this. The NSC will support the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and will involve the development of a Swedish ‘competence community', which will consist of “stakeholders on the demand side and the supply side, that is, operators of essential services, public sector entities, research institutes, and suppliers of cyber-security solutions”, Naess said.