Security Strategy for Society
The preparedness of different administrative sectors is
harmonised in the Security Strategy for Society. The aim of the
strategy is to secure the functioning of society, to preserve the
independence of Finland as a nation and to promote the safety and
well-being of citizens.
In order to achieve this aim, the security strategy defines the
vital functions of society the continuation of which must be
guaranteed in all circumstances. It also describes areas for which
the different Ministries are responsible and defines who will be
responsible for directing activities if a crisis occurs. Possible
threat models and threat situations are discussed to facilitate
preparedness.
The security strategy for society is a decision in principle of the
Government that guides and harmonises the preparedness of
administrative sectors and provides information on the principles
of preparedness also to other actors. The authorities decide and
are responsible for the implementation of the objectives presented
in the decision in principle. The strategy is updated every few
years, most recently in 2010, when the previous name of the
document, Securing the Functions Vital to Society, was changed to
its current form.
Strategic tasks of the administrative sector of the Ministry of Transport and Communications
Ensuring the functioning of electronic information and communication systems
The Ministry of Transport and Communications ensures that the vital functions of society dependent on communications services, communications networks and other information and communication systems are not endangered due to disturbances in the functioning of information and communication systems.
Supporting the construction and maintenance of alert and alarm systems
The Ministry of Transport and Communications ensures the existence of legislation that enables the creation of technological systems to alert population and ensure the provision of the most crucial information in crisis situations at home and abroad.
Ensuring the continuity of transport
The Ministry of Transport and Communications ensures the continuity of transport of both Finnish and foreign origin by maintaining the preparedness to react to disturbances in a flexible way and shift to alternative arrangements. This involves measures associated with the directing of resources in exceptional circumstances, ensuring the supply of the necessary transport equipment, protecting transports and ensuring the functionality of logistical chains in transport.
Preparedness for exceptional situations
Ministries are responsible for preparedness in exceptional
situations and define the associated responsibilities for
authorities in their administrative sector. Ministries are
responsible for preparedness in relation to all risks and threats
that, in their evaluation, affect their administrative sector.
Exceptional situations that fall within the planning responsibility
of the Ministry of Transport and Communications:
- extensive destruction or operational failure of general information and communication systems
- extensive operational failure of technological systems of electronic mass communication
- disruption in maritime transport
- disturbances targeting transport on land, sea or air.