In July 2021, Coop's payment system was shut down in a so-called ransomware attack, where the hacker demands money to unlock the systems again.
In December, the entire Kalix municipality's computer system was shut down in a similar attack.
According to Marie Fryklöf, the attempts at data intrusion in various ways may not be more, but increasingly advanced - a development that is worrying.
- It is much more advanced now than before and they are looking for more detailed information.
As a municipality, we are dedicated to community services for the citizens, so it is very worrying when you see what happened in Kalix in December and with Östersundshem now.
"Easy to click on something you should not"
Each municipality is ultimately responsible for its own IT security.
But it can of course be difficult, both financially and in terms of skills, for small municipalities to maintain a sufficiently high level.
It is a kind of escalation war between hackers and those who try to protect themselves.
In addition to keeping systems up to date, it is also important to train staff and employees in the risks involved.
- Many attacks are aimed directly at people.
It is easy to make mistakes, to click on something you should not, and then the perpetrators are inside the system, says Marie Fryklöf.
It is possible to get expert help from outside
In Jämtland County, the municipalities try to help each other as far as possible, but there is also some help from outside in the event of a data breach.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has a national responsibility for cyber security.
- It's a lot about information about what's going on, what to think about, which systems need to be updated and which holes need to be closed.
Then MSB has expert knowledge, which can come and help, if something happens.