Sectra’s security expertise supports new initiative for more efficient energy use
Linköping – June 22, 2021 – International cybersecurity and medical imaging IT company Sectra (STO: SECT B) will participate in a new project financed by Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovation Agency, aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. This will be achieved through the ongoing digital transformation in the energy industry, and Sectra will contribute its security and risk detection expertise to enable the secure digitization of the industry. The project is spearheaded by various players in industry, academia and research institutes.
During the last few years, organizations in the energy industry have undergone a digital transformation, using digital services and cloud-based platforms with increasing frequency. This change is creating new opportunities, but also entails greater security risks, since it increases the attack surface for malicious actors to affect systems.
“Achieving balanced security across the entire operations in order to reduce security risks when using a distributed cloud-based system is extremely relevant. That’s why we’re seeing a need in the energy industry to improve AI-based system security and cybersecurity risk management,” says Lasse Larsson, VP Critical Infrastructure at Sectra Communications.
In addition to new, adaptable methods for risk assessment that integrate cybersecurity and system security, it also needs to be possible to automatically adapt risk assessments and measures for a longer period of time, since the systems used in the energy industry have unusually long lifespans.
“Operations in the energy sector have a key role in society, and production interruptions can have major consequences. That is why it’s extremely important for us to help create an efficient and robust distributed energy system for sustainable energy and new digital services,” continues Lasse Larsson.
The project has received financing from Vinnova through the “Cybersecurity for advanced industrial digitalization” call for proposals. Other participants in the project are Linköping University (project coordinator), Utvecklingsklustret Energi AB (owned by five energy companies in Sweden) and the Swedish research institute RISE. The project is based on real needs for security solutions in the energy sector and brings together industry, academia and research institutes.
About Sectra
Sectra assists hospitals throughout the world to enhance the efficiency of care, and authorities and defense forces in Europe to protect society’s most sensitive information. Sectra thereby contributes to a healthier and safer society. The company was founded in 1978, has its head office in Linköping, Sweden, with direct sales in 19 countries, and operates through partners worldwide. Sales in the 2020/2021 fiscal year totaled SEK 1,632 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange. For more information, visit the website.
Within the Secure Communications business area, Sectra develops products and services that protect some of society’s most sensitive information and communications. The offering includes secure voice and data communications, with solutions certified at the national level and by the EU and NATO, as well as security analysis and monitoring of critical IT systems, such as electricity and water supply. Sectra’s operations are conducted from its offices in Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway and the USA.
Images
