Bohlin (M) on the overload attacks: Must focus on protection

In just a few days, SVT has suffered several overload attacks that have affected both broadcasts and the website.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says that Sweden is “under attack”.

According to Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M), Minister of Civil Defense, more important actors must invest in protecting themselves.Latest news clips from Expressen.

Neither the government nor SVT has said who they believe is behind the attacks, but according to Bohlin it is likely a subscription service.

– There are cybercriminal actors who provide this type of service in exchange for financial payments, he says.

Säpo has previously said that states such as Russia, Iran and China are systematically engaged in this type of activity, according to Ulf Kristersson. However, it is not clear whether any of these states are behind the latest overload attacks.

Must protect yourself

It is serious that these attacks affect essential services in Sweden, according to Bohlin. The authorities dealing with such matters must therefore be prepared to take action, he says.

– Regardless of whether it concerns Swish or SVT’s digital services, it underlines the need for everyone who provides public services to invest in protecting themselves.

Is SVT doing enough to protect itself?

– I cannot pass judgment on the work SVT is doing, but as I said, you have to build protection because it is part of a new situation that we must take into account.

However, Bohlin emphasizes that denial of service attacks are not something we as a society should accept, but that they are part of the reality we live in.

“No boy dash”

SVT’s technical director Adde Granberg says in Morgonstudion that the attacks will probably continue, but hopes that they will be able to stand their ground.

– In any case, this is not a boyish prank from home, it is someone who wants to influence Swedish society.