Xamk staff practiced preparedness this week, themes included evacuation and cyber security
One of the exercises focused on cybersecurity and was held in Hamina. Marko Oras, a lecturer in cybersecurity and game programming at Xamk, took part in the exercise.
– We’ve been practicing local defense and cooperation with authorities, Oras says, summarising the week’s events.
The exercise brought together around 70 participants, most of whom, like Oras, were reservists. Oras has long volunteered with the National Defence Training Association of Finland and has participated in numerous cyber-themed exercises both in Finland and abroad.
– Professionally, this is also a networking opportunity. There are many cybersecurity professionals here. I’m very happy to be part of this.
The exercises also provided a chance to reflect on how well Xamk’s education aligns with the needs of working life and society.
– The exercise showed that Xamk’s education effectively meets the needs of working life and society, Oras adds.
A key exercise for the Finnish Army and ELI
The cybersecurity exercise was led by the Finnish Army, with strong support from Xamk’s European Logistics Institute (ELI), represented by Vesa Vainio and Petri Olli.
– This was ELI’s most important exercise event of the year. ELI’s role was to gather and contact local companies to participate. I’m very pleased that we got companies involved. They made a significant commitment, with around 20 participants engaged for nearly a week, says ELI Director Vesa Vainio.
During the exercise, fictional water supply company “Kaakon Vesi” and port operator “Kaakon Satama” were targeted by various cyberattacks.
– I’m especially pleased with how staff from companies embraced their roles in the fictional scenarios. I’m also grateful for ELI’s support throughout the year of preparations. ELI has been a vital link to the companies and enabled collaboration, says the exercise leader from the Finnish Army.
For the Army, practicing with local companies is essential.
– The purpose of cyber defense is to support critical infrastructure and companies vital to the defense system. It’s crucial that we can train together. We learn their operating methods and can develop our own accordingly.
Cybersecurity is a familiar theme for the Finnish Defence Forces, this was the third locally organised, cyber-themed exercise.
– The number is clearly increasing, and companies are showing interest, the Army representative notes.
Xamk supports small businesses in preparing for cyber threats
From Xamk, the cybersecurity exercise was observed by Research Manager Anni Lippo from the Kymvake – Towards Improved Preparedness Collaboration in Kymenlaakso Region project, as well as RDI Specialists Hanna Nieminen and Janne Niinisaari from the Cyber-resilient Kymenlaakso project.
– We’ve been learning how large-scale exercises are implemented. We’re also monitoring how cooperation between companies and authorities works, Lippo explains.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the opportunity to participate in large cyber exercises. Xamk’s projects aim to develop diverse training, exercises, and other content to strengthen the cybersecurity and information security capabilities of local SMEs.
– The Cyber-resilient Kymenlaakso project has produced initiatives such as Kybertuska Day, the Turvaverkko podcast, and a new type of digital security analysis for companies – the cybersecurity walk, Nieminen says.
– In the Kymvake project, we’re developing digital exercises to support the physical safety and preparedness of various actors, Lippo adds.
Xamk Also Participated in the Kaakko 25 Preparedness Exercise
The cybersecurity exercise was part of the Kaakko 25 preparedness exercise led by the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland, as well as the Karelian Stronghold local defense exercise organized by the Karelian Brigade.
The theme of Kaakko 25 was the preparedness of authorities, municipalities, and other regional actors for fictional emergency situations and civil protection scenarios. Xamk participated with its situation management team.
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