How would you summarize the past year for Sicra? What have been the most important milestones?

2025 has been one of the most transformative and investment-intensive years in Sicra’s history. A great deal has happened, all in a positive direction. We completed the transaction with Bluetree, which has given us an even stronger foundation in both IT and OT security. We launched a new business area in security management and gained significant momentum in our Security Operations Center (SOC).

We have also received international recognition through the Arctic Wolf partner award, “EMEA Rising Star Partner of the Year 2025.” In addition, we have signed major new agreements, launched important services, expanded the team, and moved into new offices at Posthuset in Oslo.

Some highlights:

• Merger with Bluetree → a larger, more complete provider

• Arctic Wolf EMEA Rising Star Partner of the Year and Arctic Wolf Gold Partner status

• New headquarters at Posthuset above Oslo Central Station

• Delivery agreement with 28 municipalities

• ISO 27001 certification

• Service development and strong growth

The merger with Bluetree—how is the consolidation shaping Sicra, and what can the market expect going forward?

The merger has made us a far more complete security provider. We now combine Sicra’s strengths in advisory services, preparedness, SOC, and modern security architecture with Bluetree’s deep specialist expertise in networking and OT security.

For customers, this means having a single partner that covers the entire spectrum, from office networks to industrial infrastructure. The market can expect a more robust organization, more services, and greater capacity to deliver complex projects.

How would you describe the current cybersecurity threat landscape?

The threat landscape is more serious and more complex than ever. OT has become more critical because it is involved in a great deal of critical societal infrastructure. Attacks can potentially affect critical production systems and essential societal functions. We also see that attacks often occur outside normal business hours, for example during holidays such as Christmas, making 24/7 monitoring absolutely essential.

Organizations must think holistically and start their security efforts where they have the greatest impact. Many, myself included, have pointed out that it is often the basics that fail. Understand your attack surface, minimize it, and address the obvious weaknesses. The Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) provides good advice and principles in this area.

If Norwegian organizations were to have one “New Year’s resolution” for 2026 in cybersecurity, what should it be?

Start by elevating security work to a strategic level and ensure that someone owns the responsibility, either internally or through an external CISO. Then implement a holistic security strategy that covers both IT and OT, establish a sensible patching and update regime, implement zero trust, and invest in 24/7 monitoring.

In short: move from “project” to “continuous security work.”

You have participated in several major events this year: Gartner in Barcelona, Oslo Business Forum, Sikkerhetsfestivalen, the ATTACK conference, and Arendalsuka. What are your key takeaways?

What all these arenas have in common is that security is now central to business strategy, technology development, and societal preparedness. IT/OT convergence, artificial intelligence, and the need for better continuous security processes are recurring themes.

In addition, it is clear that Norwegian organizations are asking for more concrete measures and less general theory, which suits us very well, as we work closely with both operational and strategic security services.

What have you personally learned as a leader this year?

That the transformation journey we are on requires clear communication and close follow-up of both employees and customers. At the same time, I have been reminded of how important culture and collaboration are when growing and reorganizing.

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

Seeing the full results of the merger and developing new solutions that help both Norwegian and Nordic organizations stand stronger against modern threats. I am also looking forward to further developing the team and continuing to strengthen our partnerships.

What do you eat on Christmas Eve, and do you have any fixed holiday traditions?

We traditionally have pinnekjøtt (traditional Norwegian cured and dried lamb ribs), but with a local twist from my father’s side of the family. A coarse meat sausage from the island of Vigra outside Ålesund. It is placed on top of the pinnekjøtt to simmer. A delicacy and an absolutely essential part of our family’s Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I am responsible for preparing the meal, often with pleasant help and quality time with my youngest sons.

What will you do during the Christmas holidays, relax or stay fully active?

It has been an active year, and I will do what I encourage my colleagues to do: recharge and enjoy time with my family. For me, the definition of a good evening is a fire in the fireplace, my wife by my side, and a glass of red wine within reach.

Do you have a personal New Year’s resolution you would like to share?

I abandoned New Year’s resolutions a long time ago, but I do have some goals for 2026. The most important personal goal is to work out three times a week. I haven’t managed that during the second half of 2025.

Thank you to Stig for sharing your reflections, highlights, and insights from a very eventful year.

On behalf of everyone at Sicra, we wish all customers, partners, and employees a Merry Christmas and a safe, positive, and inspiring New Year.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration in 2026.