NSR emergency preparedness member
VARDE is available to NSR's emergency preparedness members. Access and onboarding are managed through NSR's emergency centre.
Norway's total defence
When time matters, the channel must already be in use
VARDE is the Norwegian Business and Industry Security Council's system for alerts and information sharing between authorities, NSR and Norwegian businesses in peace, crisis and war.
The system
How VARDE works
VARDE is used for day-to-day alerts and situation updates, and for coordination during incidents. Information flows from the authorities through the Business Emergency Preparedness and Security Centre (NBSS) to NSR's emergency preparedness members, in permanent channels for important information, specialist areas and regions. During specific incidents, dedicated channels are created for affected organisations.
VARDE also serves as a contact directory. Users can reach each other directly through end-to-end encrypted messages, voice and video.
All users are approved and verified and have signed an information-sharing agreement. Further sharing is governed by the Traffic Light Protocol (TLP 2.0).
- 01AuthoritiesAlerts and information
- 02NBSSA shared point of contact for business
- 03NSR's emergency preparedness membersOrganisations participating in VARDE
Permanent channels
- Important information
- Specialist areas
- Regions
During incidents
- Dedicated channels for affected organisations
Arendalsuka
Arendalsuka, August 2026
During Arendalsuka in August 2026, around 100 key people from the police, organisers and business shared messages, assessments and images in one channel to build a common understanding of the situation. NSR's emergency centre was also connected to the event's tactical talk group in Nødnett, Norway's emergency communications network. The emergency preparedness professionals did the work. Skytale was the channel they used.
This was the first time VARDE was used as a shared channel during an ongoing event.
The experience
The channel must be in use before it is needed
The aim during Arendalsuka was to build a shared understanding of the situation while events were unfolding, not afterwards. Observations, assessments and images were made available to those involved as situations developed.
This is where the difference lies. Most organisations have a contingency plan. Fewer have a channel already established and in use the day something happens. The difference only becomes visible under pressure.
When time is short and many organisations are involved, people need to know where information is shared, who has access and that the channel works. A solution that is familiar and in use beforehand reduces the risk of critical information being delayed, fragmented or sent through insecure channels.
Eivind Planke Berg, COO of Skytale, was present throughout the week to provide technical support.
The division of responsibilities matters. Skytale supplies the encrypted channel in VARDE. The content, assessments and decisions belong to the authorities, NSR and the affected organisations.
At a glance
- Around 380 NSR member organisations
- Around 100 key personnel in one channel during Arendalsuka
- All users are approved and verified
- Dedicated channels are created for specific incidents
- Alerts and information sharing in peacetime, crisis and war
For you
What does this mean for you?
Not a member
You can use the same platform for your own emergency preparedness and crisis management, with your own users, groups and administration.
Read on
VARDE used for the first time at Arendalsuka
Around 100 key personnel from the police, organisers and businesses continuously shared messages, assessments and images throughout the week in one shared channel.
NSR selects Skytale to supply encrypted communication for VARDE
VARDE is the system for alerts and information sharing between the authorities, the Norwegian Business and Industry Security Council and Norwegian businesses.
Next step
Talk to us about the channel you will use in a crisis
We discuss how you issue alerts and share information today, and where a dedicated channel fits.