Digital Switzerland Advisory Board: Cybersecurity is an important basis for digitalisation

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports

Bern, 08.11.2024 - At the meeting of the Digital Switzerland Advisory Board on 8 November, the National Cyberstrategy (NCS) was the focus of discussions. Under the leadership of the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd and with the participation of Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi, representatives of the cantons, business, science and civil society took stock of cybersecurity measures and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the current strategy.

Cybersecurity is a prerequisite for digitalisation, which is why the Federal Council has designated cybersecurity as one of the three focus topics for the ‘Digital Switzerland Strategy’ for 2024. Under the leadership of Ms Amherd, the advisory board discussed the essential role of cybersecurity for digitalisation. The secure handling of data and the protection of digital infrastructures form the basis for the trust that the population and business have in Switzerland’s digital services. The National Cyberstrategy (NCS) provides the foundation for establishing cooperation and implementing innovative measures, as well as for strengthening Switzerland as a secure and resilient digital location.

Challenges and opportunities of the National Cyberstrategy

Maya Bundt, Chair of the NCS steering committee, discussed the work of the steering committee to date and explained the importance of cooperation between the cantons, business, science and civil society in order to advance the implementation of the strategic goals. Since the strategy was adopted, numerous measures have been successfully implemented that have contributed to improving cybersecurity in Switzerland. Increased cooperation between the federal government, the cantons and the private sector was particularly emphasised, and has proven to be a key factor in the fight against cyberthreats and allows for a coordinated approach at all levels.

The representatives of the steering committee see the improved cooperation on the exchange of cyberthreat intelligence at national and international levels as an opportunity. The fact that this cooperation is already working well was demonstrated at the high-level conference for peace in Ukraine.

The meeting of the Advisory Board on 8 November underscores Switzerland’s determination to be proactive in meeting the challenges of the digital age and to treat security in cyberspace as an integral part of national security policy.

Digital Switzerland Advisory Board: discussion of key topics in the field of digitalisation

At the Digital Switzerland Advisory Board meetings, members of the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellor exchange views with representatives from the worlds of science, business, politics, public administration and civil society on topics related to the digital transformation. The meetings take place several times a year with a changing line-up of participants and are chaired by a member of the Federal Council or the Federal Chancellor. Each year, the Federal Council defines the key topics of the Digital Switzerland Strategy.

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Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
http://www.vbs.admin.ch

Federal Chancellery
https://www.bk.admin.ch/bk/en/home.html

National Cyber Security Centre
https://www.ncsc.admin.ch/ncsc/en/home.html