Crime in Norway is becoming increasingly digital, complex and borderless. The Norwegian Police’s threat assessment for 2026 highlights a rise in cybercrime and technological threats – and the need for relevant skills has never been greater.
The crime landscape in Norway is changing. According to the Norwegian Police Threat Assessment 2026, crime is becoming increasingly digital, international and more professionalised.
– Rapid technological development means that crime is becoming digital and borderless, as well as ruthless and profit-driven, the police write in the report.
This places new demands on both society and the labour market – and not least on the skills needed to meet these developments.
Crime is becoming more digital
One of the clearest trends in the threat assessment is the increase in digital crime. Technology enables criminals to operate across borders while concealing their identities and tracks.
At the same time, it is becoming more difficult to identify who is behind serious crime, partly because actors operate through networks and digital platforms. This makes cybersecurity one of the most important fields in the years ahead.
At Noroff, students can study:
Bachelor in Cyber Security
This bachelor’s degree provides hands-on training in protecting systems, networks and infrastructure against cyberattacks. Students work with penetration testing, network security and incident response using industry-relevant tools. This directly addresses the growing need for professionals who can actively defend organisations against increasingly advanced cyber threats highlighted in the police report.
Bachelor in Digital Forensics and Incident Response
This programme focuses on investigating cybercrime and handling digital incidents. Students learn how to collect and analyse digital evidence, trace attacks and respond to incidents in a structured and legally sound way. This competence is critical as cybercrime becomes more complex and harder to trace across borders.
Cybercrime Investigation and Response
This one-year programme provides specialised, practical skills in digital investigation and incident response. Students work with real-world cases, learning how to understand attack patterns, investigate cybercrime and support organisations in managing incidents. This responds directly to the increasing need for specialists who can not only prevent attacks, but also understand and investigate them.
Bachelor in Digital Assurance and Security Management
This degree focuses on how organisations manage security at a strategic level. Students learn about governance, risk assessment and compliance, helping organisations build resilience against cyber threats. This is essential in a landscape where cybercrime is not only a technical issue, but a broader organisational risk.
Assurance in Cybersecurity Management
This programme develops skills in evaluating and improving cybersecurity practices within organisations. Students learn to assess risks, implement frameworks and ensure that security measures are effective. This helps organisations move from reactive to proactive security work.
Network and IT Security
This vocational programme focuses on practical, job-ready skills in securing networks and systems. Students work hands-on with technologies used in the industry, preparing them to quickly enter roles that strengthen organisations’ first line of defence against cybercrime.
Across these programmes, Noroff emphasises applied learning. Students work with real tools, real scenarios and real challenges—ensuring they graduate with the practical skills needed to keep pace with rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Criminal networks are becoming more professional
The threat assessment also highlights that criminal networks are operating in a more structured and professional manner than before.
They collaborate across borders and actively use technology to organise activities and hide their tracks.
At the same time, the police report an increase in the use of young people in criminal environments, affecting both physical and digital safety in society.
This development increases the need for skills that combine technology, analysis and an understanding of the threat landscape.
To keep up with this development, education must go beyond theory. Specialised, applied education is a necessary foundation for strengthening digital security at both organisational and national levels.
Artificial intelligence is changing crime
Artificial intelligence and new technologies are also creating new opportunities for criminal actors.
AI can be used for everything from automated fraud to more advanced attacks and influence operations. At the same time, the technology makes it possible to carry out crime faster and at a larger scale than before.
This creates a growing need for people who understand both the technology itself and how it can be misused.
At Noroff, students can develop these skills through programmes such as:
Applied Artificial Intelligence
This vocational programme focuses on practical use of AI tools and technologies. Students learn how to build and apply AI solutions, including understanding how automation can be used both constructively and maliciously.
Bachelor in Applied Data Science
This degree provides skills in analysing large datasets, identifying patterns and developing models. These capabilities are essential in detecting anomalies and uncovering cyber threats in increasingly data-driven environments.
Data Analyst
This programme develops practical data analysis skills, enabling graduates to interpret and use data to support decision-making. In a cybersecurity context, this is crucial for identifying trends, risks and potential threats.
These programmes emphasise applied, hands-on learning—ensuring students can use AI and data tools in real-world contexts where technology is constantly evolving.
A more complex threat landscape
The police also point out that the geopolitical situation affects the crime landscape. International conflicts, economic differences and technological developments contribute to increasing complexity.
This means that both public and private organisations must work more systematically with security and preparedness.
As a result, skills in IT, security and data analysis are becoming increasingly important across industries.
A growing demand for skills
The threat assessment presents a clear picture: society is becoming more digital – and the threats are evolving alongside it.
The demand for expertise in cybersecurity, AI and technology is growing rapidly, and the gap between threat and competence is widening.
Developing this expertise is not optional—it is essential. Specialised education forms the foundation for building the competence needed to protect critical infrastructure, organisations and society as a whole.
From education to industry
Noroff graduates are already working in roles within cybersecurity, digital forensics and data analysis, contributing to protecting organisations and investigating digital crime.
- Fredrik is a Special Investigator at the Nordland Police District
- Christoffer landed his dream job at Netsecurity
- Kjell Morten loves his job at Siemens Energy
Build the skills needed to meet tomorrow’s threats
If you want to work with IT, cybersecurity, digital investigation or AI, specialised and applied education is key.
Explore Noroff’s study programmes and find your path into cybersecurity and technology
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