Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Switzerland is a privileged location for cybersecurity companies due to its long tradition of neutrality, legal certainty, and political stability, and some high-quality education and research institutes. Recent initiatives and projects are turning Switzerland into a cybersecurity hub.
The Swiss government is stepping up its efforts for more cybersecurity (Source: Pixabay).
Maintaining confidence
Cybersecurity aims to protect computer systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks, privacy breaches, and other forms of cybercrime. With the Swiss economy largely based on information technology, cybersecurity is crucial to maintaining consumer and investor confidence in online businesses and protecting the sensitive data of individuals and the federal government.
Because of the growing dependence of companies and individuals on information and communication technologies, the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), the federal government’s center of competence for cybersecurity, became the first contact point for businesses, public administrations, educational institutions and the general public for cyber issues. It is responsible for the coordinated implementation of the national strategy for the protection of Switzerland against cyber-risks.
Switzerland has put other cybersecurity initiatives in place, particularly in the Geneva area, where the World Wide Web was invented at CERN in 1989 and where more than 50% of the world’s Internet-related activities take place. In 2020, the cantons of Vaud and Geneva joined forces to create the “Trust Valley”, a center of excellence dedicated to digital trust and cybersecurity that aims to establish a unique ecosystem and encourage innovative projects.
Label “Digital Trust”
The Swiss Digital Initiative (SDI) based in Geneva aims to preserve ethical standards in the digital sector through concrete projects. It brings together academia, government, civil society, and business to find solutions to strengthen trust in digital technologies and the actors involved in the ongoing digital transformation.
With the help of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Digital Initiative has launched the “Digital Trust” label to promote the credibility of digital applications. It is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The Center for Digital Trust based at EPFL brings together partners, laboratories, civil society, and political actors to exchange ideas and gain rapid access to trust-building technologies.
Besides, the WEF Global Center for Cybersecurity in Geneva, launched by the World Economic Forum, is an independent institution that aims to build a secure global cyberspace and strengthen collaboration between individuals and governments. The Cyberpeace Institute, an organization that aims to assist vulnerable communities, advocates transparency and participates in international discussions about behavior in cyberspace.
Text: S-GE/Greater Geneva Bern Area (editing by SCCIJ)
