Expert names Finland’s sectors vulnerable to sabotage
Corporate security expert Tommy Nyström called for stronger protection of energy, logistics centers, water supply and food distribution in Finland due to the risks of possible sabotage. As YLE News reports, he considers these sectors the most critical, since power outages would immediately affect communications networks, water supply and food deliveries.
Russia, the aggressor state, has intensified its hybrid influence in Europe, while security services warn of possible acts of sabotage. The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service Supo stated that the threat of sabotage in the country is real, and that Russia, after a quieter period, is again stepping up such activity in Europe. In Germany, a drone with explosives was found on airport grounds, while the Danish Security and Intelligence Service PET warned of possible attacks on the defense industry.
Critical infrastructure
Nyström declined to name specific vulnerable sites, explaining this by the confidentiality of measures to protect critical infrastructure. At the same time, he noted that facilities accessible to the public and open sites are generally more vulnerable.
In his assessment, the defense industry and high-tech companies may also be targets. The consequences of possible sabotage in these sectors would be more strategic in nature and would not be immediately noticeable to the public.
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Armed guards and information sharing
In Finland, companies are independently responsible for security measures and may engage private security firms. The law allows the use of armed guards to protect sites important to society, although they currently work mainly at nuclear power plants.
Nyström does not support expanding the practice of using armed guards to protect critical infrastructure. In his view, this would require extensive training not only in shooting but also in tactics for responding to emergencies. He also stressed the need to establish an official direct channel for private security companies to relay observations to authorities, since preventing threats is a priority.
The expert separately noted that the security of the state leadership requires constant attention. According to him, a direct threat to Finnish President Alexander Stubb is unlikely, but harsh rhetoric may push some individuals toward desperate actions. A weapons cache was recently discovered in Germany and is suspected of being linked to Russia’s hybrid warfare; according to the report, the weapons may have been intended for the killings of defense industry executives, opposition figures in exile and supporters of Ukraine.
