War Studies The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security
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Dec 17, 2025 Hannamiina Tanninen, an analyst at Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) and a PhD researcher, takes us deep into the realm of Finnish intelligence. She discusses SUPO's unique blend of civil and military intelligence, revealing its core functions in counterterrorism and cyber security. Tanninen emphasizes the importance of public trust and the challenges of revealing intelligence work while highlighting Russia and China's cyber threats. She also shares insights on workforce diversity and the role of popular culture in shaping perceptions of intelligence work.
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Embed Oversight With Intelligence Powers
- Follow legal limits and internal oversight rigidly when exercising intelligence powers to maintain legitimacy.
- Use legal teams and internal inspectors to prevent abuse and ensure human rights and democratic compliance.
Joining SUPO Through Open Recruitment
- Recruitment to SUPO is via open government job adverts and thorough vetting with interviews and tests.
- Hannamiina joined after a friend spotted a job ad and underwent multiple interviews and checks before entry.
Diverse Backgrounds Improve Analysis
- SUPO values diversity of backgrounds and education, with over 70% holding university degrees and many staff around age 42.
- Diverse perspectives improve analysis and operations across the service.