Cybersecurity in Sweden: Jesper Larsson on Emerging Threats and the Future of Security
As we gear up for the State of Cyber Security conference in Stockholm this December, cybersecurity experts and enthusiasts alike are excited to hear from keynote speaker Jesper Larsson. With his vast experience in offensive security and his notable contributions to the Swedish tech scene, Jesper is a name many in the industry recognize, whether through his work as a penetration tester, his contributions to the popular podcast “Säkerhetspodden,” or his appearance on the Swedish TV show Hackad.
Jesper Larsson has carved a unique path in the cybersecurity world. He describes himself as a freelancer, working solo, though he collaborates closely with Cure53, a German-based security firm. “We are like 25 persons that hack a bunch of companies throughout the world, but in a good way. We get paid to find vulnerabilities and suggest fixes,” Jesper explained, emphasizing the importance of ethical hacking in today’s complex digital landscape.
Beyond his day-to-day work, Jesper is passionate about giving back to the security community. This has led him to launch various initiatives, including his podcast, which aims to demystify the cybersecurity world for a wider audience, and Security Fest, a conference designed to connect students with industry professionals. “When I was growing up, getting into security was really a lot of elitism. I didn’t like that. Gatekeeping knowledge doesn’t help foster the next generation of brilliant minds,” Jesper shared. His focus on inclusivity and knowledge-sharing makes him a standout figure in the field.
Sweden’s Leading Role in Cybersecurity
When asked about Sweden’s unique position in the global tech and security sector, Jesper points to the country’s early adoption of advanced infrastructure. “The fiber initiative in Sweden, which was supported by the government, really set us apart. We’ve had fast internet for a long time, and that has allowed the tech sector to flourish,” he said. The high level of tech-savviness in Sweden, combined with this infrastructure, has made the country a leader in cybersecurity.
However, Sweden’s challenges in combating cybercrime are not to be underestimated. Jesper highlighted the rise in cyber-related crime, particularly ransomware attacks, which are becoming a growing concern not just in Sweden but globally. “We are seeing more ransomware-driven by malware, and new regulations mean companies are now required to report incidents. This has both positive and negative implications. While it forces transparency, it also creates new vulnerabilities for companies,” he noted. The increasing pressure to report incidents may also incentivize hackers, as organizations are now more vulnerable to public leaks of sensitive data.
The Future of Cybersecurity
Looking ahead, Jesper sees several emerging threats that organizations need to take seriously. “AI and large language models are game changers. They’re not just buzzwords. The amount of data we’ve collected over the years is being harnessed in ways we couldn’t have predicted,” he said. Jesper himself is already using AI in his work, training local models on previous reports to streamline the process of identifying vulnerabilities.
As more companies shift to cloud-native environments, the attack surface is expanding. “What does cloud-native even mean? It’s a buzzword, but it essentially allows organizations to scale and operate dynamically across multiple cloud providers. That flexibility is powerful, but it also opens up new security challenges,” Jesper explained. As companies move toward this model, ensuring security across different cloud providers will be a significant focus.
A Preview of the Keynote
At the upcoming State of Cyber Security conference, Jesper’s keynote will dive deep into the modern attack cycle and the economic mechanics behind cybercrime. “I’m going to walk participants through the entire ransomware process—how criminals infect systems, where they sell data, and how they get paid. It’s important for people to understand that this is an entire ecosystem,” he said. By showcasing real-world examples from the dark web, Jesper aims to raise awareness of the scale and sophistication of these attacks.
The keynote will also address practical steps that organizations and individuals can take to defend against these threats. “We can’t keep relying on users not clicking on bad links in 2024. That’s outdated thinking,” Jesper emphasized. His talk will focus on how companies can harden their security layers and make it more difficult for attackers to succeed.
Why You Should Attend
As cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical in today’s digital world, events like the State of Cyber Security conference offer invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and strategize for the future. Jesper sums it up: “The biggest reason to attend? Networking. The problems you’re facing are likely shared by others, and gaining new perspectives is key to making informed decisions in this field.”
For anyone working in cybersecurity or concerned about the future of digital security, Jesper’s keynote is not to be missed. His insights, drawn from years of experience on the frontlines of cybersecurity, will provide participants with a roadmap for navigating today’s complex and ever-evolving threat landscape.