Öryggisvörnin

Öryggisvörnin, literally “the protection of safety,” is a term used in Icelandic to describe the range of policies, practices, and institutions that safeguard people, property, and essential functions from harm. It covers physical security, protection of critical infrastructure, public order, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity, as well as measures against natural hazards, accidents, crime, and terrorism. The concept is applied at multiple levels—from individuals and organizations to communities and the state—and is typically organized around risk assessment, resilience-building, incident response, and recovery planning.

In Iceland, responsibility for öryggisvörnin is shared among several authorities and sectors. Civil protection and emergency management are coordinated by Almannavarnir, a government body that handles disaster response planning, evacuation, and inter-agency coordination during emergencies. Law enforcement, the judiciary, and national security agencies address threats such as crime and terrorism. Regulatory and supervisory bodies oversee critical infrastructure, data protection, and cybersecurity. The private sector also contributes to resilience through business continuity planning and information security measures.

The policy framework includes national security strategy, civil protection directives, and cyber security policies, and emphasizes international cooperation with Nordic partners and, where relevant, EU frameworks. Ongoing challenges include evolving cyber threats, climate-related hazards, resource constraints, and the need to balance security measures with civil liberties and democratic norms.