New AU professor and head coach of the Danish cyber team: Cybersecurity is like solving an escape room

It was the combination of creativity and technology that first sparked Jens Myrup Pedersen’s serious interest in cybersecurity.

“It’s all about technical skills, but it’s a bit like solving an escape room. If there isn’t a straightforward way to hack into a system, is there perhaps a way that nobody has thought of? It’s actually a very creative way of thinking. It’s really great to work with,” he says.

Since then, interest has only grown, and the field has become more relevant than ever, as the cyber threat to Denmark is greater than it has ever been.

Jens Myrup Pedersen is a professor of cybersecurity, and after 25 years at Aalborg University, he’ll be moving to Aarhus University in May, specifically to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he looks forward to contributing to AU’s major initiative in the field of cybersecurity.

AU invests DKK 300 million in strengthening cybersecurity

“Aarhus University is planning something really exciting in relation to some of the things that I also find exciting,” Jens Myrup Pedersen says, adding:

“In particular, building communities around cyber security, bringing the city, the students and local businesses closer to the university as part of this major initiative. “I also hope that we’ll be organising lots of interdisciplinary activities at Aarhus University,” he says, highlighting these as two of the aspects he is looking forward to in his future role.

Cooperation is the way forward in the cyber area

In Jens Myrup Pedersen’s view, it’s not enough to focus solely on technology when it comes to cybersecurity. If you want to create effective, cyber-secure solutions, you also need to take both people and organisations into account.

“I have quite a bit of experience working across disciplines, where every discipline benefits from the collaboration,” says the professor, who, outside the academic world, is also the head coach for the Danish cyber team, where he similarly combines creativity and technology.

“Cybersecurity is very much an area that needs to be integrated across many sectors – and must not be treated in isolation.” “This applies to research, product development and new technologies, where cybersecurity needs to be built in from the beginning, rather than handled afterwards,” Jens Myrup Pedersen says, emphasising that there are many issues that can only be resolved if cybersecurity is considered alongside other disciplines.

“This applies, for example, to knowledge about how people and organisations function.” “We can do all sorts of technical things, but if users get around it or find the easy way out, then it doesn’t really matter,” Jens Myrup Pedersen points out.

Cybersecurity is a competitive parameter 

Although the high level of digitalisation in Danish society means we have a larger attack surface, Jens Myrup Pedersen remains largely positive about developments in digitalisation, provided that cybersecurity keeps pace.

“It’s important to remember that the cyber threat isn’t only a threat, but also offers opportunities for Denmark.” You shouldn’t just opt for the cheapest solutions full of security flaws; instead, you should prioritise quality in both the product and the supplier. That could be an advantage for Danish companies,” he points out, continuing:

“That’s one of the things I hope we can achieve through the initiative we are undertaking at Aarhus University.” “It’s about making cybersecurity a competitive parameter for Danish businesses,” Jens Myrup Pedersen says.

That’s why the future AU professor is also enthusiastic about the initiatives associated with the new AU Cyber research centre and, in particular, the Security Tech Space knowledge centre.

“I think it’s a good idea because we need to make Denmark a more cyber-secure society. And that’s why we need that knowledge,” he explains.

A need for a broad competence boost in the area of cybersecurity

When asked where there is a lack of knowledge, he replies that cyber skills need to be integrated more fully into both degree programmes and businesses.

“In the field of skills development, there has been a strong focus on training cybersecurity experts, and I have contributed to this myself,” Jens Myrup Pedersen says.

But anyone working in digital technologies, IT, or management needs to understand cybersecurity, he points out.

“We need a very broad skills upgrade, and we haven’t made much progress with that in Denmark,” he emphasises.

This is where the Security Tech Space knowledge centre comes into the picture, according to the professor, as it focuses specifically on the business side of cyber and information security.

“That’s a really good idea. I am, of course, very keen to ensure that we actually make things happen and that this leads to concrete projects which can generate high-quality research, effective skills development and excellent products for businesses,” he says.

Jens Myrup Pedersen particularly appreciates the focus on small and medium-sized businesses, which make up the vast majority of businesses in Denmark.

“Many large companies have started to take cybersecurity more seriously.” However, there is a significant backlog among small and medium-sized businesses. “They are an important part of the Danish business community, so it’s important to support them,” he points out.

Will continue as national cyber coach

Jens Myrup Pedersen plans to continue as head coach of the national cyber team alongside his role as professor and chair of the board at the energy company NRGI.

“I definitely think that is something I need to keep doing,” he says, but stresses that, as a matter of principle, he makes sure that ‘responsibilities aren’t placed on individuals’. Therefore, the coaching team also includes Adam Blatchley Hansen, who’s a PhD student in cryptography at the Department of Computer Science at AU, and former national team captain Oliver Lind Nordestgaard.

In autumn 2027, Denmark will host the European Cybersecurity Championships in Aarhus. Jens Myrup Pedersen has been the national head coach since 2021, and in that time, the team has achieved four straight top‑five finishes in Europe – most recently a silver medal last year. He’s therefore also hoping to play a part on home ground in 2027.

“That’s something I’d really like to be part of. I know Aarhus University wants that as well. It’s great that it’s a project AU is supporting too,” Jens Myrup Pedersen says.

And when the cyber coach makes his way to Aarhus and AU in May, he won’t have any trouble finding his way around.

“I’ve lived in Aarhus for 25 years, so it’s like coming home.” “It’ll be lovely to be able to bike to work,” he concludes.

This text is machine translated and post-edited by Lisa Enevoldsen.