When the Church of Sweden was hit by a ransomware attack, its operations came to a sudden halt. Axians swiftly isolated the threat and restored normalcy, showcasing the importance of having a reliable IT partner. This journey began with Axians consolidating the Church’s fragmented IT environment, streamlining operations, and creating a secure unified structure.

With over 5.5 million members and 20,000 employees, the Church of Sweden plays a vital role in Swedish society. Beyond the well-known church rituals such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals, the Church also operates preschools, choirs, church services, and is Sweden’s largest property owner. What many may not realize is that IT is a critical enabler of all these diverse activities. 

Axians has been entrusted with monitoring and protecting the Church’s IT infrastructure around the clock. From the very beginning, Axians proved to be more than just a supplier – they became a partner who listens, adapts, and responds to the Church’s specific needs. 

That trust was put to the test when the Church was targeted by a serious ransomware attack. In this critical moment, Axians acted without delay to contain the threat. As soon as irregularities were detected in Axians’ Operations Center, Axians experts contacted the Church, and together they agreed on the next steps. The part of the Church’s environment hosted in Axians’ data center was quickly isolated, and all internet access to the Church’s systems was shut down. From there, the Axians ’ experts worked tirelessly, following a structured recovery plan to restore the IT environment. 

With Axians’ teams working evenings and weekends, systems were restored, and the Church of Sweden’s operations could return to normal.

 

The total data loss was limited to just two hours. This was made possible by Axians quick response and their dedicated recovery efforts.

PER STARKE
Head of Collaboration and Digitalization
Church of Sweden

Picture taken by Mikael Ringlander

The ransomware incident was a clear reminder of the importance of having a long-term IT partner who not only delivers on expectations but also builds a relationship based on trust and collaboration. 

The cooperation between the Church of Sweden and Axians began when the Church was struggling with a fragmented IT environment. They were operating three separate data centers across the country, each managed in different ways, which created both inefficiencies and risks. To move forward, the Church needed a more centralized and reliable solution. Axians stepped in to design and implement the solution, consolidating the IT environment, streamlining operations, and creating a more unified and secure structure. This not only improved reliability and performance but also made the overall operation more cost-effective. 

The decision to work with Axians was a deliberate choice. The Church of Sweden sought a partner with whom they felt valued, someone who would listen and adapt to their needs. With a larger provider, they risked being just another client. With Axians, they found a partner that truly prioritized their requirements and understood their mission. 

Over time, Axians’ role has evolved. Initially serving as an infrastructure partner responsible for servers and networks, they have now become an integral part of the Church’s IT strategy. The collaboration is built on mutual trust, understanding, and long-term commitment, something both parties look forward to continuing in the years ahead. 

The Church of Sweden has no hesitation in recommending Axians to other organizations seeking a reliable and dedicated IT partner. Their attentiveness, combined with their proven ability to deliver under pressure, makes them a partner who truly lives up to their promises. 

 

For more information, please email:  info.axiansse@axians.com or visit www.axians.se 

For more details on this project from Axians Sweden