Students tackled complex security challenges in Cyber Challenge 2026

This year’s Cyber Challenge focused on two highly topical societal challenges: securing inter-agency information-sharing systems used in the fight against crime, and addressing disinformation campaigns targeting Sweden’s international reputation and the 2026 parliamentary election.

The competition highlighted how technical vulnerabilities and information influence are closely interconnected. The scenarios felt particularly relevant in light of the ongoing debate on Sweden’s security situation.

“This year’s scenario reflected the complex threat environment Sweden faces today, where cybersecurity, disinformation and societal resilience are deeply intertwined. Seeing students tackle these realistic challenges at such a high level gives us confidence in the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” says Jenny Bohman, Project Manager at the Swedish Defence University.

As in previous years, the Swedish Defence University organised the Cyber Challenge together with the National Cyber Security Centre. The competition attracted students from across Sweden, with teams representing Chalmers University of Technology, Dalarna University, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linnaeus University, Luleå University of Technology, Stockholm University, the Swedish Defence University and Uppsala University.

When the three winning teams – all from the Swedish Defence University – were announced in the Sverigesalen, they were met with cheers. First place went to Glory to the Heroes, followed by Team InnoLex in second place and The Policy Architects in third.

Industry Day attracted strong interest

Alongside the competition, Industry Day was held as a recruitment fair in the entrance hall of the Swedish Defence University, giving students the opportunity to meet leading actors within the security sector. The event ran throughout the day and included networking opportunities and an inspirational lecture on the theme of hybrid threats.

“Industry Day is becoming increasingly important as both the private sector and public authorities seek expertise capable of navigating the intersection between technical security and policy issues. This year’s strong participation demonstrates the shared interest among students and employers in addressing these complex challenges,” says Carolina Dalmo, Project Manager for the Cyber Challenge and Industry Day at the Swedish Defence University.

Participants at the recruitment fair included security-sector organisations such as Combitech, Omegapoint, Vivicta, FRO, CyberCampus and Saab, as well as public authorities including FRA/NCSC, the Swedish Police Authority, PTS, FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces/MUST, the Swedish Security Service and MCF/CERT-SE. The inspirational lecture was delivered by Carl Heath, Senior Researcher and Strategic Lead for Digital Resilience at RISE, who spoke on the theme Hybrid threats and the role of technology in turbulent times.

“In today’s security environment, where disinformation campaigns and cyber threats increasingly target democratic institutions and social cohesion, competitions such as the Cyber Challenge are more important than ever. We are very grateful for the strong participation and are already looking forward to next year,” says Erik Biverot, Acting Head of Division at the Centre for Societal Security at the Swedish Defence University.