Digital Neighborhood Watch – Technology for a Safer Sweden 

A reform that protects what must function—when everyday life is put to the test  

Security in a Digital Society 

When we pay bills, schedule medical appointments, work, study, or stay in touch with loved ones, we rely on digital systems. Electricity, water, transportation, communication, and payments—all of these now depend on digital infrastructure. 

As digital technology advances, we must prepare for both the opportunities and the risks posed by new technologies. Many people fall victim to fraud, identity theft, and account hijacking, which directly impact their personal finances and create a sense of insecurity in their daily lives. According to the Police, fraud generates over six billion kronor in criminal proceeds each year. At the same time, the Security Service warns that cyberattacks are a growing security threat to Sweden, and estimates show that they already cost Swedish companies tens of billions of kronor each year. 

In a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, Sweden must be able to stand firm even when the digital winds are blowing. A cyberattack, an act of sabotage, or an influence campaign can quickly undermine the things we take for granted. This requires digital resilience—secure systems, rapid recovery, and a clear ability to combat and prosecute crimes online as well. 

Technology that protects people and society  

Ultimately, digital security is about peace of mind in everyday life—about being able to trust that payments will go through, that healthcare is accessible, and that your personal information is secure. 

Security isn’t just about technology. It’s built through cooperation. When government agencies, businesses, civil society, and our Nordic neighbors share knowledge, warn one another, and act together, threats can be detected earlier, attacks can be stopped more quickly, and the consequences can be limited. 

Technology is the tool that makes this possible. With shared situational awareness, secure information flows, AI-based analytics, and increased resources for digital law enforcement, both cyberattacks and everyday crimes such as fraud can be prevented. At the same time, greater awareness among individuals and businesses strengthens their ability to protect themselves. 

Technology is therefore not just something that needs to be defended—but a force that, combined with close collaboration, can make society as a whole more resilient. This is the foundation of a digital neighborhood watch. 

A joint effort to ensure a secure digital Sweden 

To enhance security in a digital society, we propose a comprehensive reform—a digital neighborhood watch initiative for digital security and resilience. 

1. Make digital security a strength for society as a whole 

Sweden needs to view information and cybersecurity as a strategic asset. When the government’s needs align with the business sector’s innovative capacity, security can be strengthened for society as a whole.  

The reform means that 

  • more people are being trained to address the growing shortage of security experts 
  • Cybercampus Sweden is being strengthened to support both the public sector and businesses 
  • Government agencies and businesses will have better and more secure ways to share information about threats and incidents. 

When knowledge is shared and collaboration is effective, society’s ability to prevent attacks—before they harm people—increases. 

2. Build security together with our Nordic neighbors 

Through closer Nordic cooperation, Sweden can strengthen both its security and its capacity for innovation. Companies often operate in more than two Nordic markets, and digital infrastructure is owned and used across borders—and now all Nordic countries are members of NATO. This opens up new opportunities for more effective security efforts. 

Common rules, joint procurement, and investments in security technology make it possible to develop solutions that protect more people—faster. For this to work, security-cleared personnel need to be able to work seamlessly throughout the Nordic region, with shorter wait times and clearer processes. 

Stronger Nordic cooperation makes us less vulnerable—and better prepared when we work together. 

3. Stop the crimes that threaten online safety 

Cybercrime is now affecting people and businesses on a massive scale. Fraud, ransomware, and hacking create a sense of insecurity and directly undermine trust in the digital society. 

To protect people, it is necessary to 

  • more cyber police officers and better resources for law enforcement 
  • closer cooperation between government agencies and the business community 
  • increased international cooperation to prosecute perpetrators 
  • greater awareness and preventive safeguards against fraud. 

When crimes can be prevented, investigated, and prosecuted, safety increases—both online and offline. 

When digital neighborhood watch becomes a reality  

Once digital neighborhood watch programs are in place, more people can feel confident in the digital society. Critical societal functions become more resilient, businesses gain better protection, and people can trust that what needs to work—will work. By using technology to prevent threats, build security from the ground up, and strengthen resources to combat cybercrime, digitalization becomes safer in everyday life. 

At the same time, this initiative strengthens Sweden’s competitiveness. Security technology and cybersecurity represent a rapidly growing global market, and a strong Swedish security sector can create new jobs, foster more export-oriented companies, and position Sweden as a leading player in digital security.