Threats targeting the vital functions of society

The vital functions of society face diverse threats arising from human action, technological developments and natural causes. Assessing risks related to them provides grounds for preparedness and response. Realised threats can cause disruptions and crises.

Threat environment

Threats to the security of society may appear independently, simultaneously or consecutively, or they may be coordinated, such as hybrid threats. They can emerge in all operating environments, including the cyber domain, information environment and space. The sources of these threats may include human actions, technological advancements, or natural events, and they can originate from within society or externally.

Risk assessment

The National Risk Assessment assesses the impacts of realised risks on the vital functions of society. The National Risk Assessment is the foundation of preparedness outlined in the Security Strategy for Society. The assessment is conducted in broad-based collaboration. The topics covered include disruptions and crises that develop relatively quickly and require resilience and preparedness. Their occurrence may cause significant impacts on the lives or health of people, the economy, the environment and society.

Disruptions and crises

Realised threats cause disruptions and crises. Disruptions are events or situations which do not cause long-term or significant harmful impacts on society’s operating conditions. Crises are abnormal or exceptional events or situations that threaten the functions or existence of society as a whole.

As a rule, the goal is to manage disruptions and crises in society in all circumstances by means of the regular powers that the authorities apply in normal conditions. However, the most serious crises or disruptions may require the declaration of a state of emergency as referred to in the Emergency Powers Act. Such situations include an armed attack or another attack with equivalent severity or a threat thereof, a particularly serious major accident, and a very widespread dangerous communicable disease. Additional powers may be invoked in emergency conditions.