Finland’s security authorities warn that foreign intelligence operations targeting the country are expanding, The Cyber Express reports.
A new national security overview from the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service says cyber espionage linked to Russia and China is increasingly directed at Finnish technology companies, research institutions and government networks.
The operations combine cyber intrusions, traditional espionage and influence activities aimed at collecting sensitive information.
China targeting technology and research
According to the Finnish security assessment, China maintains a strong intelligence interest in Finland.
Chinese cyber operations are often long-term and increasingly focus on technology companies, research institutions and emerging industries.
Access to research data, advanced technologies and supply chain information can provide significant economic and geopolitical advantages.
The report notes that start-ups and smaller technology companies can be particularly vulnerable because they often lack the cybersecurity resources needed to defend against sophisticated attacks.
Russia remains the main intelligence threat
The assessment also makes clear that the most frequent intelligence activities targeting Finland originate from Russia.
Although Russia’s intelligence capacity in Europe has been affected by the war in Ukraine, Finnish authorities believe Moscow is already working to rebuild its intelligence networks.
Finland’s location makes it strategically important. The country joined NATO in 2023 and sits between the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region.
The report warns that Russia will likely continue gathering political, military and technological intelligence related to Finland.
