Jyri Paasonen began as Associate Professor of Security Law at the University of Vaasa: "Our security environment is in constant change"

Security law combines traditional fields of law, such as public law, criminal law, and administrative law, examining them through the lens of security-related issues.

– The significance of security law is further emphasised in a digitalising world where threats cross national borders and affect both individuals and organisations, says Paasonen.

The field includes, among other things, security authority operations, the private security sector, crime prevention, and crisis management. International security issues, such as terrorism, military security, and cyber threats, are also central. Human and fundamental rights issues are an important part of security law.

The increasing security requirements are evident in workplaces, homes, traffic, and the digital world as security is regulated in more detail. The diverse risks of modern society require strict and legally binding norms.

Security requirements are becoming more legalistic with digitalisation, necessitating regulation to ensure adequate risk management, security levels, and legal protection. International regulations and agreements that harmonise security standards are particularly important.

– There are two sides to the coin. The benefits include that clear regulation makes risk management and security more consistent as responsibilities and obligations increase. This enhances the handling of issues in the management and boards of organisations. Additionally, citizens' rights are strengthened, and transparency increases. Supervision is also enhanced as regulatory compliance monitoring by authorities increases, Paasonen explains.

Paasonen notes that strict requirements can, however, raise costs and pose challenges, especially for small businesses, leading to further market concentration among larger companies. Additionally, increasing regulation can stiffen operations and slow down innovation.

– While the aim of regulation is to improve security, it raises questions about the necessity and effectiveness of regulation. Legalisation is essential for safeguarding society, but finding a balance is key in risk management.