Preventing crime in hyperspaces – A Seminar Series in 2025
Organization: Vania Ceccato (KTH/Safeplaces Network) in collaboration with Asreen Rostami (Rise) and co-sponsored by Digital Futures
Theme: As society enters an era of smart, interconnected systems, blending digital and physical worlds presents opportunities and challenges. These two seminars explore security in these “hyperspaces,” where online and physical realities intersect. We focus on the impact of connectivity on crime and crime prevention, from cyber pickpocketing to sexual crimes and terrorism. We aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of our challenges, encourage collaborative solutions among stakeholders, and create a knowledge interaction platform that envisions future research projects.
Previous seminar: Crime prevention in hyperspaces – From cyber pickpocketing to sexual crimes (May 29th, 2025) – RECORDING AVAILABLE
Next Seminar: November 20th, 2025 – REGISTER HERE!
Speakers:
Conceptualizing crime in Hyperspace: The Digital–Physical Dimension of Social and Technical Systems
Professor Gisela Bichler will provide an overview of the concept of hyperspace. The notion of hyperspace is addressed more directly in relation to large societal infrastructures, with a particular focus on public transportation systems.
Bio: Professor Gisela Bichler is a leading scholar in environmental criminology, recognised for her extensive work on crime pattern theory, crime displacement, and the application of network analysis to understand criminal opportunities. Her research examines how the organisation of places, social networks, and hyperspaces shapes criminal behaviour.
Cybersecurity in Public Transportation: North American Examples of Risk, Preparedness, Resilience, and Broader Applications
Scott Belcher will draw on over five years of research from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) on transportation cybersecurity, which finds that addressing cybersecurity is still a significant challenge for most public agencies in North America. He will discuss why this is; provide examples of recent breaches; and provide common-sense tools that can be used to prevent the likelihood of such cybersecurity attacks and mitigate their impact when they occur.
Bio: Scott Belcher is CEO of SFB Consulting, co-founder of Cybrbase, and Executive Director of the ACES Mobility Coalition. He advises on transportation, technology, and cybersecurity, and previously led TIA and ITS America.
From connectivity and smartness to trustworthy hyperspaces
Professor Martin will present current trends and challenges in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems (CPS). We see how technological advances lead to new capabilities while at the same time creating new risks, both in terms of hazards and threats. A central question is how we define and ensure systems’ dependability, reliability, safety, and security. How do these concepts relate to one another, and what does “adequate security” really mean in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape? The lecture also highlights best practices and techniques for addressing these issues, with a particular focus on NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework as guidance for implementation. Finally, the key needs and future directions for research and development in this field are summarised.
Bio: Professor Martin Törngren (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden) researches mechatronics, cyber-physical systems, and systems engineering, with a focus on autonomy, safety, trustworthiness, sustainability, and control co-design.
Cybercampus Sweden
In his talk, David will introduce Cybercampus, outlining its background, mission, and ambitions to strengthen Sweden’s capacity in cybersecurity through research, innovation, and continuing education. The presentation will highlight the particular importance of protecting vital societal infrastructures from current and emerging cyber threats.
Bio: David Olgart has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity as an expert and leader within the defense sector, both in government and consultancy roles. He previously coordinated the Swedish Armed Forces’ cyber defense research and development. David holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science from KTH and is a reserve officer.
