More than half of small and medium-sized businesses in Denmark would struggle to keep running without access to IT, according to a new survey. As cyberattacks surge, experts warn of severe risks to the country’s digital economy.
Danish Businesses Show Digital Strength, but Also Fragility
Denmark is among the most digitalized nations worldwide. Yet, that progress has created deep dependence. A fresh survey from the Danish Chamber of Commerce shows that 55 percent of companies say they would barely be able to perform their core functions without IT systems. Only five percent report that they could continue operating all their main tasks normally if they lost access.
This finding highlights how essential digital tools have become—and how vulnerable companies are to disruption. Many businesses rely on digital systems for production, customer service, and logistics. If those systems shut down, even briefly, operations could halt entirely.
A Growing Cyber Threat Across Denmark
According to Denmark’s security agency for societal safety, the number of ransomware attacks on companies, government offices, and organizations reached record highs in 2024. The agency warns that the threat level for cybercrime is very high and that it is highly likely that Danish institutions will continue facing ransomware, fraud, and data theft.
The risk is especially serious for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack the funds and staff to build robust cyber defenses. Many owners focus on running their businesses and expanding markets rather than cybersecurity planning. The Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that while giants such as Novo Nordisk and Maersk have large cybersecurity divisions, a small manufacturing shop in Horsens has limited capacity to handle such threats.
Limited Skills and Resources Worsen Exposure
Smaller Danish companies frequently have gaps in cybersecurity skills and investment. Most do not meet the necessary standards for cyber readiness. Because small and medium enterprises make up the majority of Denmark’s business landscape, this weakness affects the nation’s economic stability as a whole.
Even though larger corporations have dedicated IT defenders, many smaller businesses depend on outside consultants or minimal in‑house knowledge. Building more awareness and training could help narrow the gap. Investing in cyber education might be as important as investing in new machinery or technology upgrades.
Calls for National Action on Cyber Defense
The Danish Chamber of Commerce has urged the government to accelerate investments in cybersecurity education and infrastructure. It proposes creating a dedicated cyber campus to train specialists and strengthen national expertise. The organization also wants more cyber conscripts to boost defense capabilities within the military system.
Authorities have already established some cyber conscription programs, yet the pace of technological threats continues to outstrip preparedness. Business leaders argue that while progress has been made, cybercriminals strike daily, and Denmark must respond even faster to prevent serious economic losses.
Shared Responsibility Between State and Business
Even with government initiatives, companies themselves carry primary responsibility for protecting their operations. The Chamber of Commerce highlights that every business, regardless of size, must develop a contingency plan and basic digital security practices. The state can help create frameworks, but it cannot manage individual company systems.
The business association continues to provide support by organizing seminars, hosting online sessions, and sending practical guidance to members on how to respond to digital threats. Strengthening cybersecurity is now seen not just as a technical requirement but as a foundation for keeping Denmark’s economy resilient.
At the same time, several Danish companies and research institutions are investing in technological innovation aimed at sustainability and digital safety. These efforts show that the national focus on technology can support both green development and stronger cyber resilience.
In the end, Denmark’s success in building a highly digital society brings clear advantages, but it also demands constant vigilance. As hackers grow more sophisticated, the line between technological progress and vulnerability becomes thinner. For smaller firms especially, even a short IT shutdown could mean more than just lost revenue—it could jeopardize survival.
Sources and References
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The Danish Dream: Security in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Opråb: Mindre virksomheder enormt sårbare over for cyberangreb
