At the cybersecurity event organized by Mintly in Helsinki, both domestic and international experts in the field highlighted the growing responsibility of companies in the realm of national security. The event particularly emphasized the increasing complexity of hybrid threats and how essential a role businesses now play in building digital resilience and security.
Olli Leimu, Security Inspector at the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, reminded attendees that a significant share of cyberattacks occur within corporate networks. In this context, the importance of developing personnel expertise is paramount, as technological solutions alone are insufficient. Security breaches are often not caused solely by technical vulnerabilities but by human error—something that can be minimized through training and increased awareness.
The international dimension of hybrid influence was strongly emphasized. Jukka Savolainen, Network Director at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE), argued that the deepening cooperation between China and Russia, along with geoeconomic tensions, is shaping a new operational environment where systematic intelligence gathering and technological espionage are integral to superpower strategy. Businesses can no longer view themselves purely as commercial entities—they are part of a broader societal infrastructure targeted and manipulated by geopolitical actors.
Several experts stressed that traditional risk management models are no longer adequate for current threat scenarios. Kim Waltzer, Senior Specialist at the Finnish National Cyber Security Centre, discussed real-time cyber threat monitoring, which visualizes ongoing cyber threats but also requires companies to analyze data and respond swiftly. Tomi Kankainen, Program Director, expanded the perspective on digital defense by suggesting that ecosystem thinking provides a way to coordinate efforts between the private and public sectors.
International perspectives delivered a compelling reminder of how hybrid threats can target individuals just as easily as systems. Polish professor Michael Piekorski illustrated how individuals may be unknowingly recruited into cyber operations—a process that often begins with seemingly harmless tasks. Kateryna Bezsudna, CEO of the Defence Builder accelerator, shared Ukraine’s experiences, highlighting the importance of integrating technological advancement with the defense industry during times of crisis. Former Lithuanian Minister of Defense Edwinas Kertza added that everyday devices such as WiFi routers can become conduits for espionage.
The event’s key message to B2B companies was unambiguous: hybrid threats cannot be addressed reactively. Instead, they require proactive, systematic, and continuous development efforts. At the board and executive levels, cybersecurity should be viewed as a strategic investment—not merely a cost item. To ensure competitiveness, business continuity, and reputation, cybersecurity is now indisputably part of a company’s core operations.
