Ministerial working group discussed the development of cybersecurity and the preparedness of public administration

The Government has begun preparations for developing cybersecurity and the preparedness of public administration. The goal is to form a situation picture and assess the necessary development measures in the circumstances caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Ministerial working group on developing the digital transformation, the data economy and public administration has met twice this week. In its previous meeting on 14 March, the ministerial working group decided to launch work relating to preparedness in the fields of cybersecurity and public administration. The work will be part of the upcoming Government report on the security environment. The report will include sections on cybersecurity and the preparedness of public administration.

In its meeting on 18 March, the ministerial working group discussed measures that are necessary to improve cybersecurity and was briefed on the preparation of Finland’s digital compass.

Finland’s level of preparedness in cybersecurity is good

Finland has a long-standing and well-functioning tradition of cybersecurity preparedness. Preparedness is ensured, for example, through legislation, cooperation between authorities and exercises. An extensive cybersecurity development programme was also adopted in 2021 along with measures to improve information security and data protection in critical sectors. However, there is need to develop, for example, the cybersecurity of the information and communication systems in the municipal sector.

“Finland’s cybersecurity situation is currently normal. Finland's cyber protection is active and responds to threats every day. In normal circumstances, the National Cyber Security Director is responsible for maintaining the situation picture. In the event of a serious cyber incident, the Director is joined by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which coordinates the situation as needed with the other ministries that the indent concerns,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

Public administration is prepared for disruptions

Preparedness in public administration focuses on measures taken by central government authorities, municipalities and wellbeing services counties. These relate to, for example, civil defence shelters and everyday disruptions to water and energy supplies.

“Public administration is well prepared for disruptions and has worked on preparedness for years. We are now working with different authorities to put together a shared picture of the situation. Municipalities and wellbeing services counties play a vital role in securing everyday services for citizens in all situation,” says Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero.

On 10 March, the Government decided that the Ministerial working group on developing the digital transformation, the data economy and public administration would take responsibility for cybersecurity and the preparedness of public administration. The ministerial working group makes the necessary policy decisions on measures to secure the functioning of society and the digital operating environment in the event of cybersecurity incidents and cyber influence activities. It also makes decisions on the preparedness of public administration in the situation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Work on Finland’s digital compass continues

Finland is preparing a national digital compass during spring 2022. In its meeting on 18 March, the Ministerial working group on developing the digital transformation, the data economy and public administration was briefed on the progress of the digital compass.

Finland’s digital compass revolves around four cardinal points: digital infrastructure, a digitally skilled population and workforce, the digitalisation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services. Each point of the digital compass has been set objectives and key results as well as indicators to assess how these objectives have been reached.

Finland’s national digital compass is scheduled to be circulated for comments in spring 2022.

Inquiries:
Laura Eiro, Director General, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 40 096 9293
Rauli Paananen, National Cyber Security Director, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. + 358 40 565 9060
Mika Nordman, Director of Digital Services, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7142
Jarkko Levasma, Government Chief Information Officer, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 29 553 0117
Päivi Nerg, Permanent Under-Secretary, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 295 530 149