CRITIS2023 conference gathered experts in critical information exchange infrastructure and cybersecurity to Laurea

Laurea University of Applied Sciences organised the CRITIS2023 International Conference on Critical Information Infrastructures on 13–15 September at the Tikkurila campus in Vantaa. The annual conference presented the latest research results and future challenges in critical information exchange infrastructure and critical infrastructure. New solutions related to the maintenance of information exchange and situational awareness were presented extensively and their strengths for the security of society were discussed.

There was a particularly lively discussion on the future use of artificial intelligence and the opportunities and threats associated with it. The conference also addressed the upcoming introduction of two new EU directives, CER and NIS-2, to promote the safety of critical infrastructure. The CER Directive aims to ensure the smoothest possible functioning and continuity of critical services. Meanwhile, the aim of the NIS-2 Directive is to improve the security of critical information exchange networks and information exchange in EU Member States. A presentation by Evaldas Dirginčius, a representative of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, and Vytis Kopustinkas, a representative of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, showed how research and exercise activities also support the implementation of the directives.

Artificial intelligence, cyber expertise and hybrid threats attracted interest

There was a lot of interest in a NATO exercise for securing the energy sector to be carried out in the Baltic Sea area and a study related to situational awareness in which Laurea specialises in new services produced using AI. The interest of Finnish companies in the use of AI corresponded to the interest among other European operators, and particularly combating the threats arising from AI was considered essential. Finnish companies’ future cybersecurity needs and competence in the cyber sector also received special attention in the presentations of both NIXU and the Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC).

With consideration of Finland’s geographical location, hybrid threats were a new topic discussed this year. Preparing for hybrid threats through different scenarios and operating models was given a lot of prominence in the presentations on the theme. The discussions focused on the ethical evaluation of activities and what we can learn from previous events when preparing for the future.

Laurea is a well-known educator and a respected research partner in the field

A major international event in the sector, the conference brought together leading experts, researchers and professionals in the field of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity to share information, experiences and solutions to protect critical information exchange infrastructure. The conference provided a forum to discuss current cybersecurity threats, challenges and opportunities for maintaining and protecting critical information exchange infrastructure. Experts from Europe, Japan, India, Canada and the United States participated in the conference.

Laurea has a long tradition of providing security and risk management training in Finland, and it is part of an extensive national and international network of security sector operators. The RDI performed in Laurea’s Coherent Security Research Programme provides national and international research and innovation solutions that support the implementation of civil security in cooperation with authorities, companies, regions, research actors and organisations.

Learn more about Laurea's Coherent Security Research Programme

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