On April 8–9, the first Ethical Hackarinas event was held at Karlstad University. It was two intensive days that put ethical hacking in focus and contributed to increased knowledge and awareness in the field of cybersecurity.
The program offered a mix of inspiring lectures and hands-on activities, with participants from industry, academia, and the public sector. The event was aimed at both beginners and individuals with a broader interest in technology, security, and issues related to inclusion and representation within tech. With a strong emphasis on practical elements, participants had the opportunity to try things out themselves, and no prior knowledge was required.
Two of the attendees explained why they were interested in participating:
– I want to learn more about cybersecurity and hacking because it’s a hot topic right now and relevant since I work in IT, said Malin Zachrisson, Stamford AB.
– I’ve worked in IT for a long time, and I was drawn to the fact that there was a focus on women, which makes it less intimidating—it makes you feel like this is something I can be part of, said Linnea Hjalmarsson, Kammarkollegiet.
The initiative marked the start of a long-term effort to strengthen collaboration, spark interest in cybersecurity, and create an accessible entry point into the field.
– This type of event helps create a more inclusive environment. The field is currently very male-dominated, and there are groups in society who don’t quite find their way into social and learning environments where they can develop their skills. Knowledge and awareness are key components in cybersecurity work. That’s why initiatives like Ethical Hackarinas are important, said Millie Solem, a robotics student at the University of Oslo (UiO) and an expert in ethical hacking, who demonstrated how Capture The Flag exercises strengthen skills in the field.
Ala Sarah Alaqra, associate professor of informatics and project leader for the event, was pleased with the outcome:
– Ethical Hackarinas was very successful, with a fully booked registration and highly satisfied participants. Participants especially appreciated the practical elements that combined cybersecurity expertise with accessible learning about ethical hacking. The welcoming environment (particularly supportive of women) made it an inclusive space for beginners, with no prior knowledge required. We want more people to feel included, and I believe we succeeded, she said.
Among the speakers were:
Arlette Houndji and Hanna Schaff, PhD students in computer science at Karlstad University, who gave an introduction to ethical hacking.
Malin Fransen Kronberg, Head of Security at Telia Sweden, who provided insight into how they work to protect society, organizations, and themselves.
Maren Framnes, Chief Marketing Officer at the Norwegian company Fynd Reality, who showed how they develop the skills of Ukrainian soldiers through VR simulations in their dual-use platform.
Millie Solem, robotics student at the University of Oslo (UiO) and ethical hacking expert, who demonstrated how Capture The Flag exercises build competence in the field.
Berith Rannberg, Head of Security at Karlstad University, who spoke about how perspectives on cybersecurity have changed during her 25 years in crisis and disaster management.
Arsineh Boodaghian Asl, researcher and lecturer in computer science at Stockholm University, who explained how network algorithms can help analyze how privacy and security affect children’s mental health.
The event was part of the Cross Border Cyber Capacity (CBCC) project, funded by Interreg Sweden–Norway. The aim of the project is to strengthen Sweden’s and Norway’s capabilities in cybersecurity and societal preparedness.
