Norway Raises Cyber Risk to “High” as Attacks Triple
(MENAFN) Norway has raised its national cyber risk level to “high,” the second-highest tier on its scale, as hostile hackers use artificial intelligence to find and exploit weaknesses faster than ever, the country’s security authority said on Tuesday.
The National Security Authority (NSM) attributed the decision to a worsening security climate and developments over recent months. Speaking at a news conference, NSM Director Arne Christian Haugstoyl told Norwegian businesses to harden their digital defenses and patch known software flaws immediately.
Hours, not weeks
The agency warned that fast-moving AI tools are helping malicious actors locate and exploit security gaps far more efficiently.
“Businesses therefore have hours, not days or weeks, to close known vulnerabilities,” Haugstoyl said.
Attacks tripled in a year
According to Haugstoyl, successful cyber operations against Norwegian companies have tripled over the past year, and several caused serious damage.
One publicly known case struck the municipality of Lorenskog, where attackers stole a large volume of data. The stolen information was later sold on the dark web.
Call for immediate action
In a press release, NSM urged companies across the country to put preventive safeguards in place without delay and published a list of 21 recommended measures for businesses of all kinds.
Justice and Emergency Preparedness Minister Astri Aas-Hansen also called on companies to review their IT security and quickly close vulnerabilities, a Norwegian public broadcaster reported.
The higher threat rating reflects mounting concern over the ability of cyber criminals and other hostile actors to exploit digital weaknesses, especially as AI sharpens their capabilities.
The National Security Authority (NSM) attributed the decision to a worsening security climate and developments over recent months. Speaking at a news conference, NSM Director Arne Christian Haugstoyl told Norwegian businesses to harden their digital defenses and patch known software flaws immediately.
Hours, not weeks
The agency warned that fast-moving AI tools are helping malicious actors locate and exploit security gaps far more efficiently.
“Businesses therefore have hours, not days or weeks, to close known vulnerabilities,” Haugstoyl said.
Attacks tripled in a year
According to Haugstoyl, successful cyber operations against Norwegian companies have tripled over the past year, and several caused serious damage.
One publicly known case struck the municipality of Lorenskog, where attackers stole a large volume of data. The stolen information was later sold on the dark web.
Call for immediate action
In a press release, NSM urged companies across the country to put preventive safeguards in place without delay and published a list of 21 recommended measures for businesses of all kinds.
Justice and Emergency Preparedness Minister Astri Aas-Hansen also called on companies to review their IT security and quickly close vulnerabilities, a Norwegian public broadcaster reported.
The higher threat rating reflects mounting concern over the ability of cyber criminals and other hostile actors to exploit digital weaknesses, especially as AI sharpens their capabilities.
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