Dagens industri: Digitalization Demands Security for Infrastructure

The increasing digitalization and electrification of critical infrastructure and public services are creating unprecedented demands for security and resilience. The interconnectedness of these systems necessitates robust power grids and communication networks to prevent cascading failures. Henry Nilsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Eltel, highlights the critical need for a holistic approach to ensure stability across Sweden's intertwined infrastructure. Eltel, a key player in building and maintaining electrical and communication networks, reports a growing demand for systems that perform reliably during both routine operations and crisis scenarios, according to Key Account Manager Marcus Wistrand. The expansion of digital infrastructure also introduces new vulnerabilities, where a single outage can trigger significant disruptions. Nilsson emphasizes the importance of redundancy, including geographically diverse data storage and alternative network connections, alongside established manual operation protocols. Eltel incorporates robustness into new infrastructure projects, such as solar parks and data centers, often adhering to rigorous standards like the Uptime Institute's Tier 4 certification. This heightened focus on security extends to the public sector. The Swedish Prison and Probation Service (Kriminalvården) has partnered with Sectra, a company specializing in encrypted communications for over 45 years, to facilitate a secure transition from paper-based processes to digital workflows. Ludvig Knast, Key Account Manager at Sectra Communications, explains that the project aims to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance access to essential materials, such as pre-investigation files, for inmates, without compromising security. Knast stresses that security must be a central pillar of any digitalization strategy from its inception to ensure long-term sustainable digital initiatives.