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Sweden, Norway rethink plans for cashless societies over fears that fully digital payment systems would leave them vulnerable to Russian security threats (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 4 weeks ago by 0x815@feddit.org to c/technology@lemmy.world

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/4262252

A combination of good high-speed internet coverage, high digital literacy rates, large rural populations and fast-growing fintech industries had put the Nordic neighbours on a fast track to a future without cash.

[...]

But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and a subsequent rise in cross-border hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups have prompted a rethink.

[...]

The Swedish government has since completely overhauled its defence and preparedness strategy, joining Nato, starting a new form of national service and reactivating its psychological defence agency to combat disinformation from Russia and other adversaries. Norway has tightened controls on its previously porous border with Russia.

[...]

[Norway's] justice and public security ministry said it “recommends everyone keep some cash on hand due to the vulnerabilities of digital payment solutions to cyber-attacks”. It said the government took preparedness seriously “given the increasing global instability with war, digital threats, and climate change. As a result, they’ve ensured that the right to pay with cash is strengthened”.

[...]

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[-] njordomir@lemmy.world 58 points 4 weeks ago

I don't like using cashless anything because I know part of the cost is my privacy. Having said that, convenience is a powerful draw and cash can be a pain, especially when you have to find a spot for small coins.

[-] 100@fedia.io 18 points 4 weeks ago

nobody should be including apple or google spy apps in their payment processing

[-] simon@slrpnk.net 10 points 4 weeks ago

If you are using Mastercard in the US, Google will be getting transaction data all the same: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45368040

[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 weeks ago

Thanks, now I have to switch my primary credit card. Any concerns w/ Visa?

[-] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 weeks ago

apple and google is just a small part of the problem. using a debit card is not much better either

[-] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 9 points 4 weeks ago

Look into Monero. You get the benefits of digital payments, but you get the privacy of cash.

[-] chevy9294@monero.town 4 points 4 weeks ago

I use monero online and cash offline, because no one accepts monero offline.

[-] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 3 points 4 weeks ago

because no one accepts monero offline.

With the XMRBazaar map this may change

[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 weeks ago

Probably not, but one can hope.

this post was submitted on 30 Oct 2024

631 points (98.6% liked)

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