The Ministry of Transport and Communications has a cooperation document with the Jamk University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) whose objectives include promoting annual cyber exercises. Since 2013, the JYVSECTEC (Jyväskylä Security Technology) Research, Development and Training Centre at Jamk's Institute of Information Technology has been carrying out National Cyber Exercises (KYHA) in sectors critical to the functioning of society with the support of the Ministry.
"Participants have reported that the experience gained from the exercise has helped them defend against cyberattacks. What matters most is putting the lessons learned into practice. If we think about all the groups that train in the KYHA exercises, we are talking about comprehensive national defence", says Rauli Paananen, National Cyber Security Director of Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finland.
"JYVSECTEC is the undisputed leader in organizing exercises in both national and international comparisons. We are very proud of our role as an enabler of national cyber exercises and preparedness in terms of KYHA exercises", says Tero Kokkonen, Director of Jamk's Institute of Information Technology.
Cyber exercises and their development are significant measures that are also mentioned in Finland's Cyber Security Strategy as part of the promotion of preparedness.
"Although Finland is a pioneer in cyber security, we must not be complacent and aim for optimal performance. We need to be one step ahead of cybercriminals every day. High-quality cyber security exercises are essential to ensure that the 'good guys' in society are in the best possible shape and able to defeat the 'bad guys'", says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.
Strengthening competence is part of protecting public services from cyber threats
Ministers from different sectors visited Jyväskylä to familiarise themselves with the exercise, which has established its position as an enabler of national cyber security and related cooperation training.
"In Finland, municipalities and wellbeing services counties are responsible for a number of services that are important to people and for many issues related to everyday preparedness. It is important that issues related to critical infrastructure, for example, are considered and that the management and competence of cyber security issues are constantly developed in these areas as well. These exercises are one effective way to achieve this", says Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen.
The four annual KYHA exercises are aimed at municipality and critical infrastructure organizations, Finnish state administration organizations, security authorities and healthcare organizations.
