Research and cybersecurity
Research can be a target of interest to spies. Thus, cybersecurity is important to secure the research at the university
In several areas, Denmark is a global leader in technology, innovation and research. According to the National Intelligence Service (PET), Danish research institutions are an attractive target for espionage. This is clear from the report "Is your research at risk?" from 2023, which was prepared in collaboration between PET, the Danish Agency for Education and Research and the Danish Business Authority.
The report emphasizes the need for a new and more rigorous approach to international research collaboration, and a number of recommendations are given to the Danish universities to support a healthy development of the collaboration. The intensified approach is necessary, as PET has identified examples of research inadvertently ending up in the wrong hands, which can have negative consequences for both the research and those involved institutions.
Your research may be at risk if:
- it leads to a future commercial or patentable result
- it can be used for both civilian and military purposes, also called Dual Use, read more about it here
- sensitive data is used, e.g. genetic material
- access is given to use sensitive laboratory equipment, for example access to equipment in class 2 laboratories
- you have a product that is subject to export control. Read more about the EU's checklist here
- it contributes to the development of cutting-edge or highly advanced technology that can only be matched by few others, for example quantum or drone technology
The recommendations for universities in Denmark:
- research, identify and protect your critical research. (Know the value and potential of your research)
- know your business partners. (Carry out thorough background checks on your international collaboration partners. Investigate their funding and other collaborative relationships. Define the research areas you work together on and define them in concrete collaboration agreements)
- protect your institution, employees and students. (be aware of security procedures and systems)
- Read more of the recommendations here in a report from the "Committee on Guidelines for International Research and Innovation Cooperation (URIS)" from 2022.
Sources: https://ufm.dk/publikationer/2022/filer/uris-afrapportering-2022.pdf
https://ufm.dk/publikationer/2023/filer/pet_er-jeres-forskning-i-fare-2023.pdf