Sweden has more exposed vulnerable devices than Nordic neighbours

Sweden has more internet-exposed and vulnerable connected devices than its Nordic neighbours, according to the National Cybersecurity Centre. The centre has identified nearly 3,000 devices in Sweden, SVT reports.

The devices control or monitor physical processes and machinery in industry and other infrastructure. Connecting them to the internet for convenience or availability can also leave them open to cyberattacks, centre chief John Billow said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The centre’s mapping covers devices in sectors including grocery retail, transport and logistics, water treatment, energy and industry. Billow said Sweden’s larger population did not fully explain why the country had more exposed devices, and the centre did not yet have a clear answer.

The latest example of the risks involved attacks on refrigerators and freezers in France, Sweden, Finland and other European countries. According to the centre, most affected cooling systems came from the same manufacturer, and many were older models with inadequate protection.

After the attacks in France, the centre contacted Swedish organisations where it had found exposed devices. Some did not act on the warnings before grocery stores, restaurants and fulfilment warehouses in Sweden were also affected in early November. Others have still not taken action.

Billow said the necessary fixes were not especially difficult, but the consequences of an attack could be serious. The centre urged organisations to identify their connected devices and limit their exposure through security measures.