The Hedengren Access Management launch seminar held at Tennispalatsi on 28 August culminated in a speech by security expert Jarno Limnéll. The presentation answered the question of what is topical in terms of security and preparedness right now.
Jarno Limnéll, a security researcher, doctor of military sciences and current Member of Parliament who has worked in the security sector for more than 30 years, begins his presentation by quoting a phrase made famous by the communist leader Lenin – "There are decades when nothing happens, and there are weeks when decades worth of things happen."
"I don't usually quote Lenin, but this sentence describes the current world situation exceptionally well, where significant things are happening in Europe, the Middle East, Sudan, Taiwan and Greenland," Limnéll says.
According to the security researcher, Finland is in a state of intervals between war and peace, where hybrid influencing is constantly increasing – anchors are falling, people are being directed to borders and telecommunications masts are falling. Companies are also subject to unprecedented influencing. As many as 40% of European companies were hacked in 2024.
"Securing critical infrastructure has become a core issue in our society," Limnéll sums up.
Unique comprehensive security model
According to the expert, preparedness is at a good level in Finland. We have influential partners and the Defence Forces are in better shape than ever. In Finland, security is also being built in an exceptional way by the entire society.
"In Finland, the public and private sectors are working together to think about how to take care of the security of society. This is very exceptional on a global scale," says Limnéll.
He believes that comprehensive security is built on reliable partnerships at both the state and company levels.
"An increasing number of companies have woken up to the need to build their own safety culture. In addition to physical security and security partnerships, related issues include reflections on cyber security, artificial intelligence and new legislative requirements."
Three safety trends
According to the security researcher, three clear trends can be distinguished in the current global security environment. The first of these is the growing importance of national reliance.
"It's about how well we tolerate disruptions. The best way to strengthen reliance is through open and honest communication and proactive scenario work. Preparing for different situations creates security, and the experience of a sense of community gives hope," Limnéll says.
The expert points out that in Finland, technical expertise and preparedness are at a good level – not so much creating and maintaining a sense of security.
"We talk more about insecurity than security. And when this is repeated, uncertainty increases. This is exactly what hybrid influencing is based on, the aim is to cause chaos and reduce mutual trust."
According to Limnéll, another trend is the emphasis on the responsibility of the individual. This is due to the exponential increase in information influencing and information manipulation. The significance of the phenomenon is well illustrated by the fact that NATO has elevated the human mind to the sixth dimension of warfare, along with the previous five operating environments – land, sea, air, cyber reality and space.
"It can be said that today the front line runs between our ears. It is made up of what we read and watch in the media. It is essential how we filter and share information – every Finn is an important safety factor in this role."
A market for new opportunities
According to Limnéll, the third trend is the unprecedentedly rapid technological development accelerated by artificial intelligence.
"As Putin says, whoever controls artificial intelligence also controls the world of the future. In Ukraine, about 70–80% of all losses are made with AI-assisted drones. In quantum technology, on the other hand, there is a fear of a breakthrough that will render cryptographic systems meaningless."
He points out that there is also a positive side to technological development.
"I can't think of any other market that would grow as strongly in the next few years. There is a demand for new innovations in the defence industry, quantum technology and security system development that protects critical infrastructure," says Limnéll.
Reliable partners as a key factor
At the end of his presentation, Limnéll suggests an image exercise for the audience. An expert who has been talking about safety for decades suggests that listeners try what it feels like to change the word safety to trust.
"I have noticed that I get much better and more concrete answers when I ask how to strengthen trust in Finnish society," Limnéll says.
He urges companies to strengthen trust among their personnel and partners as well as in various social forums.
"Trust is our most important success factor, and it is created when there is a will to do things for a common goal," the expert sums up.