Analysis: Growing cyber threats in Sweden prompt public sector to step up security efforts
The proportion of Swedish public sector organisations that consider their cybersecurity capabilities to be advanced or mature has increased from 21 to 33 percent in just one year. This is according to figures commissioned by Nordlo from the research and advisory firm Radar.
“The public sector has long faced different conditions when it comes to cybersecurity compared with many private sector organisations. We are now seeing a clear shift, with cybersecurity becoming a core strategic issue for a growing number of organisations,” says Bengt-Göran Kangas, Head of Business Area Nordlo National.
Bengt-Göran Kangas, Head of Business Area Nordlo National.
This development means that the public sector is now close to the national average for cybersecurity maturity, with 35 per cent of Swedish organisations reporting an advanced or mature level of cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a separate IT issue. It is a fundamental requirement for public sector organisations to operate securely and efficiently while maintaining public trust.”
“The consequences of a cyberattack can be extremely serious. Municipalities are responsible for essential public services such as social care and education, as well as critical infrastructure including electricity and water supplies. These are services that must operate without interruption and cannot be allowed to become unavailable.”
At the same time, 64 per cent of Swedish organisations report that their cybersecurity budgets increased during 2025, while the proportion of IT budgets allocated to security continues to grow.
“This development is being driven by factors including increased geopolitical uncertainty, a growing number of cyberattacks across all sectors and stricter regulatory requirements. The threat landscape facing the public sector has changed rapidly in recent years.”
However, as a larger proportion of IT budgets is allocated to cybersecurity, there is also a risk that other digital initiatives will have to take a back seat, according to Bengt-Göran Kangas.
“Many public sector organisations are facing difficult decisions about where to invest. Security investments are absolutely essential, but they may also mean that initiatives in areas such as digitalisation and AI are postponed. In turn, this could result in a poorer level of service for residents,” says Bengt-Göran Kangas, Head of Business Area Nordlo National.
Cybersecurity maturity in the public sector
Proportion of organisations with advanced or mature cybersecurity
2024: 21%
2025: 33%
Cybersecurity priorities in Sweden in 2025
Improving employees’ cybersecurity awareness: 76%
Ability to detect and respond to threats: 65%
Compliance with regulatory requirements: 61%
Supply chain risk management: 58%
Changes in cybersecurity budgets in 2025 Increased Unchanged Decreased
Swedish organisations 64% 35% 1%
Source: Radar
For more information:
Bengt-Göran Kangas, Head of Business Area Nordlo National, +46 (0) 708-51 77 32, bengt-goran.kangas@nordlo.com
Caroline Peterson-Ullstrand, CMO & CCO Nordlo, +46 72 562 87 55 caroline.peterson-ullstrand@nordlo.com
Nordlo is one of the leading providers of cloud and infrastructure services in the Nordic region. The company offer scalable operational solutions, managed services and full outsourcing of IT and digitalisation services to companies and public sector organisations. Through close cooperation and sustainable choices of innovative technology, Nordlo helps customers to strengthen their competitiveness and drive digitalisation forward. Nordlo has a turnover of SEK 2.5 billion and approximately 1000 employees at locations throughout Sweden and large parts of Norway. https://nordlo.com/en
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