Aarhus launches ambitious initiative on cyber- and information security

Head of Center for Cyber Security (CFCS), Thomas Flarup. Photo: Aarhus Kommune

 

The topic and its importance were clear at the meeting on March 28th in Aarhus. The first speaker, Head of Center for Cybersecurity, Thomas Flarup, demonstrated the need for a binding and strong business-oriented effort that can strengthen cyber and information security, when he presented an updated insight of the cyber threat in Denmark. The relevance of Aarhus was underlined as Deloitte presented a brand-new market analysis for cyber security. The analysis illustrated that Aarhus holds a position of strength in the area of cyber and information security and therefore possesses the capacities to lead an effort for a more cyber secure future. The report highlights that Aarhus has

  • A solid foundation of world class research within the field
  • Competitive IT- and tech companies
  • A partnership-oriented business culture

The full rapport from Deloitte can be found here (in Danish).

 

Cyber security is strengthened through collaboration

Aarhus’ stronghold within cyber and information Security obligates. Aarhus is to play a vital part in making Denmark a more cyber secure Country. This can only be achieved through cooperation and in an ecosystem consisting of Aarhus University, established tech companies, innovative start-ups and a large aggregation of knowledge and talent, that can createa new solutions and encounter challenges in cyberspace together.

Therefore, the CEO in the City of Aarhus, Martin Østergaard Christensen, presented the lighthouse initiative in the effort for cyber and information security: Security Tech Space.

Security Tech Space is to be the power center in securing a modern and digital defense in Danish businesses. One of the very important assignments is to support the small and medium sized enterprises, because they are particularly exposed to cyberattacks. 99 percent of Danish companies are small and medium sized, and 44 percent of them have security levels that are insufficient, while 24 percent haven’t fulfilled basic IT-safety measures. In reference to this, Deloitte also pointed out that the lack of knowledge, competences and resources in small and medium sized businesses poses a demand that Aarhus and East Jutland can help fulfill.

 

A binding and ambitious collaboration on cyber and information security

As the meeting came to an end, mayor Jacob Bundgaard invited the participants to sign a “Letter of Commitment”. Hereby, the parties committed to an ambitious cooperation in strengthening and evolving the ecosystem for cyber and information security. Some of the efforts include providing experts for mentoring students and start-ups, as well as supporting further funding and activities in the consortium e.g., research and development projects. The importance of a strong cyber security effort was made clear, as the participants’ support for signing and thereby entering a binding cooperation was overwhelming.



CEO at TDC Erhverv, John Henriksen, signing "Letter of Commitment". Photo: Aarhus Kommune.

 

The next step is establishing an Excecutive board and hiring a director for Security Tech Space.

If your business or organization has an interest in taking part in the Consortium for Cyber and Information Security, please contact the Smart Aarhus Secretariat.