Cyber security capacity building: Cyber security education in finnish universities

Abstract

Cyber security in Finland is part of other areas of comprehensive security, as digital solutions multiply in society and technologies advance. Society may be developed through examining different complex issues and services. Even today, a broad range of different actors in society participates in cyber security work, both from central government and the private sector. Cyber security is one of the primary national security and national defense concerns. Cyber security has quickly evolved from a technical discipline to a strategic concept. Since cyber security has evolved from a technical discipline to a strategic concept, and because cyber-attacks can affect national security at the strategic level, cyber security must be looked at beyond the tactical arena. Cyber self-sufficiency is seen as a challenge that requires improved higher education, more research and increased support from companies to solve. Every country needs well trained professionals working in cybersecurity roles. These professionals are critical in both private industry and the government for the security of individuals and the nation. Cyber security capacity building can be measured based on the existence and number of research and developments, education and training programs, and certified professionals and public sector agencies. By all accounts, the world faces a current and growing workforce shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals and practitioners. A shortage in the global cybersecurity workforce continues to be a problem for companies in all industries and of all sizes. (ISC)2 (2019) estimates that together in 10 major economies the workforce total is 2.8 million and the global gap estimates are 4.07 million, so the global workforce needs to grow by 145%. Pursuant to the Finland’s Cyber Security Strategy (2019) “National cyber security competence will be ensured by identifying requirements and strengthening education and research.” This paper analyzes the know-how demands and needs of the cyber security (world?) which the different national and international actors of the cyber world present. The know-how demands and needs are compared with the cyber security education which is offered in Finland's universities. The paper is based on a survey conducted on Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences in 2018 and 2019 and on the analysis of its results.