The Governor of Halland visited Halmstad University for discussions on cybersecurity and IT forensics
Recently appointed Governor of Halland, Anders Thornberg, visited the University to receive an update on the status of cybersecurity and IT forensics. Also present at the meeting were the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Susanna Öhman, Dean of the School of Information Technology, Lecturers and Programme Directors Mattias Weckstén and Olga Torstensson, and Senior Lecturer Mohamed Eldefrawy. Representatives from the Police Authority also participated to contribute with their expertise.
I believe we can accomplish a lot together.
Anders Thornberg, the Governor of Halland
The significance of the University’s role in cybersecurity and IT forensics was discussed throughout the day.
“I believe we can accomplish a lot together,” said Anders Thornberg, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing today’s security challenges.
Susanna Öhman and Cristofer Englund highlighted the University’s research and education within the field.
“We focus on research in health innovation and smart cities and communities,” said Susanna Öhman, highlighting that collaboration is key to solving future problems. Cristofer Englund agreed.
“If it’s research, it’s collaboration, and we are very good at it,” he said, underscoring the importance of educating curious and driven students ready to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman, Cristofer Englund, Olga Torstensson, Mattias Wecksten, Mohamed Eldefrawy, and Matilda Sommelius attended from Halmstad University. Anders Thornberg and Lovisa Ljungberg represented the County Administrative Board, and Björn Andersson and Linnéa Senneby represented the Police Authority.
“Cybersecurity experts are needed”
Mattias Weckstén, Lecturer and Programme Director of the programme IT Forensics and Information Security, discussed the University’s programmes in IT forensics and their significance for society.
“We meet a need,” he said, highlighting the University’s close collaboration with companies and authorities, allowing our students to secure employment even before completing their studies.
“It’s the close collaboration with companies and the working life that inspires and keeps our programmes relevant,” said Olga Torstensson, Programme Director at the Master’s programme in Network Forensics.
Senior Lecturer Mohamed Eldefrawy shared insights into the urgent future work in cybersecurity and the need for increased education in the field.
“Approximately 95 per cent of cyber breaches are resulting from human errors,” he said, emphasising the need to integrate research into education to contribute to societal development.
Finally, the possibilities for continued collaboration between the University, the Police Authority and other stakeholders in cybersecurity were discussed.
“The prerequisites exist, and cybersecurity experts are needed,” said Anders Thornberg.
Text: Anna-Frida Agardson
Bild: Anna-Frida Agardson
