Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

FINLAND

MANUEL SUTER AND ELGIN BRUNNER

Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich, Switzerland

1 CRITICAL SECTORS

Finland aims to ensure society's ability to function in all circumstances by securing the functioning of both official infrastructures and those administered by individual citizens and businesses. Consequently, as an information society, Finland can only function smoothly if its critical information infrastructure is fully operational, because any disruptions may result in dramatic consequences.

The critical sectors and the protection policies for critical infrastructures are defined in the Security of Supply Act and in the Decree of the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) of 1992.¹ Based on these acts, the Finnish government sets official goals for the development of security of supply, which are updated every 5–6 years. The current governmental decision is from 2002, but there is already a proposal for a new decision, which is to be enacted in 2008 (the critical infrastructure will be defined in more detail, but the definition will include the same sectors as in 2002).²

Currently, the following infrastructures and services are deemed to be critical in Finland:

• Energy Networks and Supply,
• Electronic Information and Communication Systems, including communication networks, IT systems (including SCADA systems), electronic mass media, and payment systems of banks and insurances,
• Transportation and Logistics Systems,
• Water supply and Other Municipal Utilities,