Research points to resilient societies as the best defense against cyber attacks. According to catastrophe expert Rasmus Dahlberg from the Center for Societal Security at the Defence Academy, the most effective defense against hybrid threats like cyber attacks is to build a resilient society. Dahlberg claims that a better prepared population can have a deterrent effect on cyber criminals and saboteurs. He explains that dealing with hybrid threats such as cyber attacks or sabotage of supplies is difficult militarily, as it requires evidence of the perpetrators’ identity. Therefore, the general resilience of society is the best defense, as it has a deterrent effect, Dahlberg explains. He elaborates that it would be less attractive to attack vital supplies like water and electricity if the population is equipped to handle such situations. The same goes for attacks on payment solutions, which can cripple grocery shopping. Dahlberg highlights that the recent call from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen) for Danes to be able to take care of themselves for three days in a crisis is a step in the right direction. This approach is in line with strategies from both the EU and NATO. Dahlberg points out that the EU has long focused on societal resilience, and NATO is increasingly doing the same. Resilience is used as a deterrent, sending a signal to Russia, he says.
Resilience is not only relevant in the context of man-made threats such as cyber attacks but also in natural disasters. Dahlberg notes that similar recommendations in Norway and Sweden have created reassurance among the population. The argument against such advice in Denmark has been that authorities do not want to unnecessarily scare the population. However, experiences from our neighboring countries show that factual information from authorities actually reduces uncertainty and insecurity, he says. The population is specifically encouraged to have food, water, and medicine for three days, as well as necessary hygiene products and the ability to cope without electricity and heating.