The Swedish central bank Riksbank recommends that each adult keep at least 1,000 kronor (equivalent to 95 USD) in banknotes at home. This is an effort to maintain the ability to pay for basic necessities for at least 1 week, in case the electronic payment system is disabled due to cyber attacks or military conflicts.
Sweden is currently one of the countries with the highest rate of non-cash transactions in the world, with more than 90% of economic operations being carried out through digital channels.
However, absolute dependence on network infrastructure is currently assessed by defense officials as a potential national security risk.
In the scenario of banking servers or power grid shutdowns, a shortage of physical means of payment could lead to economic paralysis and social chaos.
The warning from Stockholm reflects the common concern of major powers about the loopholes of the digital economy in the face of non-traditional threats.
In the US, cyber security agencies have issued warnings about the risk of a direct attack on federal financial infrastructure.
Experts predict that such a large-scale attack could undermine public trust and trigger a wave of deposit divestment, causing the online payment system to collapse.
In Asia, Singaporean leaders have also begun to pay attention to the consequences of geopolitical tensions for the stability of global digital services.
Preparation of contingency plans, including cash access, is becoming an urgent requirement as the convenience of technology always comes with weaknesses in the face of digital sabotage actions.
In a modern civil defense strategy, cash not only plays the role of a means of exchange but has become a key economic weapon.
Owning a reserve amount of cash is the ultimate shield, allowing the economy to maintain minimal flow even when technological systems are completely neutralized by the enemy in conflicts.
Sweden's decision is proof that countries are beginning to re-evaluate the balance between technological development and national security.
Maintaining both digital payment systems and physical reserves in parallel is considered the optimal option to ensure the self-reliance of the economy in the face of unpredictable fluctuations in the global geopolitical situation in 2026.
