18.06.2002

Information security report for Finland published - substantial variation in the level of information security in different sectors of society

The Advisory Board for information security issues, set up by the Council of State, has published a report on information security in Finland. The report is concerned with the significance of information security and security threats in the Finnish society. Even on an international scale, this is the first time the level of information security in the whole of society has been studied and the report will also be used as the basis for the Finnish information security strategy being prepared by the Advisory Board. The information security strategy will be completed by the end of 2002.

In the report the Advisory Board has evaluated the most severe information security threats in Finland and also the level of information security both in the society as a whole and in different groups using the services provided in information networks. All sectors of society are subjected to direct and indirect information security threats. These threats are getting more severe and have global effects, and more and more often they have an impact on the society and citizens. The report also assesses how well, for instance, the finance sector, operators, the public administration, businesses and private persons are prepared for information security issues. There are clear differences in the level of information security in different sectors of society and different operators.

The use of electronic services is growing and this requires that citizens as well as trade and industry must be able to rely on the security of communications networks. Cooperation between trade and industry, public administration and other national and international interest groups is essential to improving information security.

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) is a general administrative authority for issues concerning electronic communications and its mission is, among other things, to improve the information security in electronic communications networks. The law reform that enters into force this summer will also make FICORA the national responsible organisation regarding information security incidents. FICORA has the duty to collect data about information security incidents, to resolve and prevent them and also to provide information on information security issues. FICORA's CERT-FI group (Computer Emergency Response Team) was established at the beginning of this year and its functions include dealing with information security threats and incidents in cooperation with both trade and industry and authorities. The operation also includes international cooperation with CERT organisations in other countries.

Further information:
Rauni Hagman, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Director-General of FICORA, tel. +358 9 6966 401, GSM 040 561 3499,
Juhapekka Ristola, Secretary-General of the Advisory Board, Ministerial Adviser in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 9 160 28348, GSM 0400 788 530 and
Anne Lappalainen, Information Officer in FICORA, tel. +358 9 6966 455, GSM 040 5140 950