International affairs
Cyber security threats are here to stay. With reports of high-profile cyber-attacks making almost daily headlines, the need for adequate cyber security solutions is on everybody’s agenda. Governments and businesses are taking the cyber security challenge more seriously than ever. Only a well-integrated cyber security strategy, along with state-of-the-art solutions, can protect against increasingly sophisticated, stealthy and persistent attacks.
In this context, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Business Sweden – The Swedish Trade & Invest Council and the Embassy of Sweden to Luxembourg, organised on 14th April the seminar “Cyber Security Challenge 2016 - From Strategic Awareness to Operative Actions” discussing mutual challenges related to cybersecurity in the framework of the visit of a Swedish delegation composed of cyber security experts.
The morning session, honoured by the presence of Her Excellency Maria Christina Lundqvist, Ambassador of Sweden to Luxembourg, highlighted the necessity to raise awareness about cybersecurity at every level – from the individuals, businesses and governments to educational institutions - as today, people operate in an interconnected world and automically rely on digital technologies that bring along new and advanced threats. Thus, there is not enough being done to defend against cyber attacks. To tackle this issue, it is therefore crucial that the public and private sectors work together to find concrete solutions such as the implementation of set strategies, investments in necessary technologies, operational procedures and changes in user behavior.
The programme continued with a lively panel discussion between experts from Luxembourg and Sweden focused on underlining the challenges of cyber security in both countries and stimulating an exchange of knowledge and experiences. Throughout the debates, 2 key words raised : Awareness and Trust. People definitely do not realise the risks they are exposed to and ignore how the digital world infiltrates their privacy and what impacts it may have. In light of the growing threat of cyber crime and cyber terrorism, there is a real need to educate people and raise their awareness.
The panel discussion was moderated by Jean-Philippe Boever, Eolis Media Company, who wrapped up by quoting Sissela Bok, a Swedish-born American philosopher and ethicist : “Trust is a social good to be protected just as much as the air we breathe or the water we drink. When it is damaged, the community as a whole suffers; and when it is destroyed, societies falter and collapse.”
Finally, the Swedish Delegation composed of the companies Outpost24, Saab AB, Combitech, Advenica, Comex Electronics and BehavioSec and the Luxembourg companies Red Dog Communications and Louis & Associates presented to the audience their innovative solutions and technologies during a session of case presentations.
The afternoon was dedicated to pre-arranged business meetings between Luxembourg and Swedish companies, allowing them to discuss potential projects and cooperations.