As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of secure communication solutions has never been more evident. In today’s interconnected world, where the exchange of sensitive information is crucial to national security and for functions vital to our society, the challenges have only grown more complex.
Sectra, with over 45 years of experience in cybersecurity, remains at the forefront of providing advanced solutions that safeguards communication against eavesdropping and protect systems from unauthorized access. In this article, we will examine Sectra’s role in addressing today’s security challenges, explore its approach to innovation, and reflect on the company’s history of providing cutting-edge solutions to meet the ever-changing challenges of the digital world.
The global security environment has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. Erik Sennfält, Senior Country Manager at Sectra, observes, “We are experiencing a security climate unlike anything seen since World War II.” This heightened threat landscape is driven by several factors: geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia’s aggressive cyber activities, and a surge in state-sponsored cyberattacks and industrial espionage. The rise of advanced technologies, including machine learning, further complicates the situation, creating new vulnerabilities.
We are experiencing a security climate unlike anything seen since World War II.
A report by MSB (The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency), Cyberangrepp mot samhällsviktiga informationssystem (2024), highlights the increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting state agencies and critical infrastructure. These include overloading attacks and sophisticated phishing campaigns, which have exposed vulnerabilities in vital communication systems. These developments underline the importance of having secure and reliable communication solutions across all sectors.
Beyond threats posed by nation-state actors, organizations worldwide are increasingly targeted by sophisticated ransomware attacks, insider threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, cybercrime continues to escalate at an alarming rate, with severe financial repercussions for the global economy. As malicious actors become more adept at exploiting both technological and human vulnerabilities, the projected cost of cybercrime is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. This trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that can adapt to evolving threats.
In response to these escalating threats, Sectra’s secure communication systems are playing a vital role in ensuring that critical organizations—such as government bodies, defense forces, and civil infrastructure—maintain operational integrity. As global tensions intensify, Sectra’s solutions enable seamless, protected information exchange that ensures the confidentiality and integrity of classified communication, even in high-stakes environments.
Sectra’s long-standing partnerships with defense forces and government authorities across Europe, and organizations such as NATO and the EU are a testament to the trust placed in our secure communication solutions. These institutions rely on Sectra to strengthen the security of classified data and ensure that essential communications remain protected from unauthorized access.
One of the most pressing concerns in the cybersecurity landscape today is the arrival of quantum computers. While current encryption methods have reliably protected sensitive data, quantum computers are expected to disrupt this security foundation. These advanced computers will be capable of solving complex mathematical problems that several encryption algorithms depend on for their security. As Erik Sennfält explains, “Quantum computers pose a threat to today’s cryptographic methods.” This is because, once fully operational, quantum computers might have the ability to break many of the encryption standards in use today. Erik Sennfält continues, “Information encrypted now, even if secure for the moment, could be at risk of future decryption if intercepted and stored by malicious actors.”
The posing threat by quantum computers is not emerging in isolation. Alongside this technological leap, other advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are also reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. AI is increasingly being used to automate and enhance cyberattacks, creating highly personalized phishing attacks and even deepfakes that undermine trust in communication channels. These developments highlight the urgency for cybersecurity solutions that can withstand these evolving threats.
To address these challenges, Sectra has developed solutions that are quantum-resilient. For example, Sectra Tiger/S is specifically designed to withstand the potential decryption capabilities of quantum computers. This solution enables secure communication through encrypted speech, messaging, and data transfer, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected both now and in the future. By developing forward-thinking technology, Sectra not only protects its customers today but also prepares them for the security challenges that quantum computers and other advanced technologies may bring.
Sectra Tiger/S enables secure communication through encrypted speech, messaging, and data transfer, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected both now and in the future. By developing forward-thinking technology, Sectra not only protects its customers today but also prepares them for the security challenges that quantum computers and other advanced technologies may bring.
Innovation is deeply rooted in Sectra’s DNA. The company’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats stems from its close collaboration with academic institutions and research bodies. These strong ties ensure that Sectra remains at the forefront of technological advancements in cybersecurity. By combining rigorous research with customer feedback, Sectra is able to maintain a proactive stance against evolving threats.
Today, Sectra remains a leader in the development of secure communication technologies, driven not only by its products but by its commitment to research. As the threat landscape evolves, Sectra continuously adapts its solutions, ensuring that customers can rely on the most advanced and secure technologies available.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, international cooperation has become a vital component of national defense strategies. Organizations like NATO have implemented comprehensive cybersecurity policies to enhance cooperation and defense against cyberattacks among member states. Similarly, the European Union’s Cybersecurity Act aims to bolster Europe’s cybersecurity resilience by strengthening the security of networks, information systems, and critical infrastructure.
With defense organizations becoming increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the role of secure communication has never been more critical. The growing integration of digital systems in defense operations is generating higher volumes of data, which must be securely communicated, processed and stored. While this digital transformation has brought greater efficiency, it has also introduced new vulnerabilities. Jeroen de Muijnck, Managing Director at Sectra, highlights, “Secure communications are essential for the trust and interoperability necessary between different organizations and allies.”
Secure communications are essential for the trust and interoperability necessary between different organizations and allies.
The heightened security concerns in Europe, underscore the need for robust communication channels. The latest annual report from MUST (The Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service) emphasizes the increasing importance of secure communication across NATO and EU member states in the face of these rising threats. Sectra’s secure communication solutions, such as the Sectra Tiger products, address these needs by offering high-assurance communication systems that ensure both confidentiality and availability. By utilizing multiple communication networks, including satellite and mobile, Sectra’s solutions provide the resilience and flexibility needed to protect sensitive data while ensuring its availability whenever necessary.
Adapting to the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Sectra continues to refine its strategies to stay ahead of emerging risks. However, while advanced technology plays a crucial role in protecting systems and communications, the human element remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity awareness training and workforce development are increasingly seen as essential parts of a comprehensive security strategy. Human error—whether through phishing attacks, mishandling of sensitive information, or misconfigured systems—continues to account for a large portion of successful cyberattacks. By addressing both technological innovations and human factors, organizations can build a more resilient security posture.
Sectra’s commitment to secure communications extends beyond just the technology. The company works closely with customers to understand their unique needs and to ensure their communications remain protected in an ever-changing threat landscape. By offering flexible, robust, and future-proof solutions, Sectra ensures that its customers are always one step ahead of the adversaries trying to compromise their security.
By staying at the forefront of emerging threats—whether from quantum computers, AI-driven attacks, or other advanced technologies—Sectra delivers the protection its customers need today while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. With a legacy deeply rooted in research and innovation, Sectra is uniquely positioned to ensure that secure communication remains a cornerstone of civil infrastructure, government operations, and defense organizations for years to come.
