This study examines whether the theory of cyber total defense can provide a deeper understanding of Swedish cybersecurity and cyber defense. The study is based on a qualitative text analysis of policy documents at the political-strategic and military-strategic levels.
The theory of cyber total defense present three different modes: Reactive, Heuristic and Proactive. These three modes are all needed to provide an effective and efficient cyberdefense. The Swedish cyberdefense is well represented in all three modes.
The findings indicate that the theory of cyber total defense is highly applicable for enhancing the understanding of Sweden’s cybersecurity. The theory could also be used to further improve the effectiveness of the Swedish cyberdefense for the future.