Fanny works with information security for The Norwegian Digitalisation Agency (Digdir), the government’s primary tool for digitalising society. Digdir operates digital solutions that the population use to communicate with the public sector. In addition, the agency actively influences digital policymaking.
– As an advisor I facilitate network meetings, give academic presentations and courses, and prepare reports and surveys to assess the state of information security in the public sector.
– Right now, we are working on assessing how the government administration work with information security. We ask a selection of experts in the organizations about their experience with security work and summarize the main findings in a report that is made available on Digdir's website.
Linking law and technology with information security
Fanny found the master’s program in Information and Communication Technology Law (ICTL) after finishing her bachelor’s degree in law. She wanted to deepen her understanding of the complicated issues that arise at the interface of law and technology. ICTL was a perfect match.
It was during her studies that she found an interest in information security, the field that she works in today. The course Cybercecurity regulation taught her how complex regulation of technology actually is.
– Regulation of technology is almost always “purpose-based” or “risk- based", which makes it difficult to deal with. Assessing and managing risk requires many resources and knowledge on various subject areas.
– I believe that knowledge and expertise on fields in the intersection between law and technology is sought-after for many different employers, and that my degree was a major factor in my hiring!
A rewarding social and academic environment
During her time at the University of Oslo (UiO), Fanny formed lifelong friendships and connections. She points to the fact that they did a lot of group work as an important contributor to the good social environment. In addition, she worked as a teaching assistant in Cybersecurity regulation and Internet Governance while writing her master’s thesis.
– The job as a teaching assistant got me in contact with new and inspiring people at The Faculty of Law, both socially and academically.
She also highlights that ICTL is an international program with people from different countries and academic backgrounds. This made for a rewarding international and interdisciplinary environment.
– I am still in contact with the people I met at ICTL. We regularly exchange experiences about the issues we face in our jobs today. It is so valuable to discuss these issues from different perspectives now that we all work at different places.
Looking back on positive experiences
Fanny’s time at UiO has left her with many beneficial insights and experiences.
– The most important things I learned during my studies are critical thinking and argumentation techniques, presenting in front of an audience, and working interdisciplinary on complex legal and ethical issues related to the use of new technology.
Her best advice for students considering Information and Communication Technology Law is:
– Work hard but make time to cultivate your own hobbies and interest!
– I also want to encourage students to get to know people from other study programs than yourself. Hear what they have to say about the issues you face during your studies and challenge yourself to put theory into practice!
Fanny Emilie B?hm-Pedersen
Study programme: Information and Communication Technology Law
Year of examination: 2021
Work title: Advisor
Work place: The Norwegian Digitalisation Agency