Denmark’s universities are under “very high” threat from cyber espionage and cybercrime, according to the latest risk assessment published by the Danish Agency for Community Safety (Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed).
The report, which complements the broader Nationalt Sikkerhedsbillede 2025, warns that Danish research institutions are highly likely to be targeted by state-sponsored cyber operations, particularly from China and Russia.
“It is very likely that Danish universities are exposed to cyber espionage threats, especially from foreign state actors such as China and Russia,” the agency states in its assessment.
Research excellence makes universities prime targets
According to the agency, Danish universities represent an attractive target due to their global leadership in several high-value research fields, including green technology, quantum computing, and life sciences. Their collaborative nature and open digital infrastructures further increase vulnerability to data breaches and intellectual property theft.
In addition to espionage, the threat level for cybercrime is also classified as “very high.” This includes ransomware attacks, data extortion, and malicious disruptions that could impact both academic operations and national innovation capacity.
Government calls for immediate action
In response to the findings, both Emergency Management Minister Torsten Schack Pedersen and Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund have called on universities to enhance their digital defenses.
“The threat landscape has evolved rapidly, and universities must now take cybersecurity as seriously as any other national institution,” said Pedersen.
Egelund echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding research environments:
“Our universities are at the forefront of innovation. We must ensure they remain secure spaces for knowledge and development.”
The Ministers urged academic institutions to review and reinforce their risk assessments, implement stricter data access controls, and engage in closer cooperation with national security agencies.
