Cyber security competencies : cyber security education and research in Finnish universities

Abstract

The revolution in information technology that began in the 1990s has been transforming Finland into an information society. Imaginative data processing and utilization, arising from the needs of citizens and the business community, are some of the most important elements in a thriving society. Information and know-how have become key ‘commodities’ in society, and they can be utilized all the more efficiently through information technology. Individuals, public and private organizations alike depend on the cyber world. From the citizens using social media, to banks growing their business, to law enforcement supporting national security – every sector of the society is increasingly dependent upon technology and networked systems. While the public sector, the economy and the business community as well as citizens benefit from globally networked services, the digital IT society contains inherent vulnerabilities which may generate security risks to citizens, the business community or the vital functions of society. Without sufficient awareness of the risks in cyber world, however, behavioral decisions and unseen threats can negatively impact the security of the critical infrastructure and can cause physical damage in the real world. On an individual level, what is at stake is the vulnerability of each individual user in cyber world. As the world grows more connected through cyber world, a highly skilled cyber security workforce is required to secure, protect, and defend national critical information infrastructure. Across the private and public sector organizations are looking for well-trained professionals to assess, design, develop, and implement cyber security solutions and strategies. While the demand for cyber security professionals is high, the supply is low. Meeting the growing demand for cyber security professionals begins in the education system. The most efficient custom to increase cyber security is the improvement of the know-how. The cyber security strategies and development plans require the improvement of the know-how of the citizens and actors of the economic life and public administration. Pursuant to Finland’s Cyber Security Strategy (2013) “the implementation of cyber security R&D and education at different levels does not only strengthen national expertise, it also bolsters Finland as an information society”. In this paper are analyzed the know-how demands and needs of the cyber security which the different actors of the cyber world present. The know-how demands and needs are compared with the cyber security research and education which is offered in Finland's universities. The paper is based on a survey conducted on Finnish universities in 2013 and 2014 and on the analysis of its results.