DANISH CYBER AND INFORMATION SECURITY STRATEGY 2022-2024 The threat from cybercrime and cyber-espionage is considered very high and is expected to remain so in the future. Foreign states and criminal hackers are working systematically, persistently and purposefully to hit carefully selected targets in Denmark. They are continuously trying to abuse the digitisation of our society to spy, commit crimes, undermine democratic processes, and ultimately to perpetrate potentially destructive cyberattacks against Denmark. The digital infrastructure is increasingly more vital to the functioning of our society. As the society becomes increasingly connected via digital solutions, the amount of digitally transferred information and data increases. In turn, the consequences of breakdown or attack will grow. The cyberattacks of recent years against the Irish health care service and the oil and food industries in the US, among others, clearly demonstrate some of the consequences such attacks can have on a country’s ability and capacity to maintain vital societal functions. Cybercrime is a highly profitable industry at present. The criminals are skilled, professional and driven by the opportunities to gain profit. 7 They adapt quickly when profit opportunities arise, when new tools are developed, or when external circumstances change their business landscape. At the same time, the threat from espionage by the intelligence activities of foreign states has become more pronounced. Foreign state intelligence services use technological advances and make use of sophisticated hacker groups who, through cyberattacks, are able to compromise and gain access to ICT systems to conduct intelligence operations against Denmark. The intelligence activities of certain states are used to steal valuable knowhow from both Denmark and our allies. Attacks are often complex, and politicians, officials and authorities, as well as research institutions and companies, can be included as either targets or means in these activities. Denmark is an attractive target for cyberattacks due to our active role internationally, in increased globalisation and international competition. Digitisation and the general openness of society, as well as a high level of technological knowledge, make Denmark an attractive target for cyberattacks.