Museum of Malware Art unveils first-of-its-kind exhibition on cyber threats as art

The world’s first Museum of Malware Art has opened in Helsinki, blending technology, cyber security, and art to reveal the hidden impact of cyber threats. Through a unique artistic lens, the museum demystifies malware, inviting visitors to explore its creative, ethical, and societal dimensions.

Helsinki, Finland – November 20, 2024: The world’s first Museum of Malware Art (MuMA) officially opened its doors yesterday in Helsinki, showcasing an unprecedented convergence of technology, cyber security, and artistic expression. The museum explores malware through an artistic lens, inviting visitors to engage with the creative, ethical, and societal impacts of cyber threats.

Curated by WithSecure's Chief Research Officer, Mikko Hyppönen, Museum of Malware Art is set to capture the dark side of our digital world through innovative and immersive installations.

“While malware was never meant to be art, it reveals an unintended artistry – a creativity born from skilled programming mixed with disruptive intent,” Mikko Hyppönen explains. "By bringing malware and art together, we look beyond the code to see the bigger picture these digital threats paint – a story about trust, vulnerability, and the hidden effects of technology."

Among the featured installations are Inter-Continental by EGS and W/Threatscape by Iikko Kuusela, works that transform infamous malware like the Blaster.A worm and real-time cyber threats into experiences. These pieces invite viewers to explore the boundaries of digital safety and the rapid global spread of cyber-attacks. Another work, Click for Love by Hugo Lankinen and Kasper Hildén, inspired by the ILOVEYOU virus, delves into the emotional interplay between affection and vulnerability in the digital space.

The museum’s broader mission is to demystify cyber threats by making them visible and tangible.

"Our aim is to bring these invisible threats to light, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between security and connection in our world,” Hyppönen describes. “By merging art, technology, and culture, the museum creates a platform for critical conversations on the importance of cyber security and the role of technology in modern society.”

Located in Helsinki's Wood City, Museum of Malware Art is open to the public with free entry, encouraging visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the unseen world of malware and its unforeseen artistry. This innovative museum stands as a landmark institution, bridging the gap between digital security and cultural engagement.

For more information, opening hours and to explore the exhibition details, visit http://museumofmalware.art.

Museum of Malware Art is the first museum in the world dedicated to the artful representation of malware. By combining technology with culture, the museum provides a unique platform for examining the history, ethics, and impact of cyber threats. Through its exhibitions, MuMA aims to foster public awareness and inspire discussions on building a safer digital world. MuMA is made possible by WithSecure™.

WithSecure™ media relations
Inari Anttila
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