Safety - a top issue for Switzerland and its industry

Former NATO Secretary General and Prime Minister of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen opened the Swissmem Industry Day on June 23, 2022, and presented his analysis of the security situation in Europe. For him, it is clear: "In the short term, an increase in tensions between autocracies and democracies is inevitable." Addressing entrepreneurs, he said, "In 2022, every big company needs its own foreign minister. Only by understanding the geopolitical risks can you stay one step ahead of your competitors." Philippe Amon, President and CEO Sicpa, expressed similar sentiments, saying, "Global strategic dynamics are becoming increasingly aggressive. True success lies in our ability to anticipate."

Uncomfortable situation for small states

Martin Hirzel, President of Swissmem, also commented on security policy: "For years now, we have been noticing a return to protectionism, nationalism and militarism in various countries. Internationally, the law of the strongest is increasingly gaining the upper hand. For small states like Switzerland, this is particularly uncomfortable. In my view, it is high time for Switzerland to reassert its commitment to an international system based on international law, multilateralism, cooperation and trade." Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, head of the Federal Department of Finance, which is responsible for the issue of cybersecurity at the federal level, emphasized, "Cybersecurity is well supported in politics across party lines."

Swiss MEM companies are the target of numerous attacks

In the age of digitalization, industrial companies offer particularly large attack surfaces for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks, but also physical attacks, are a constant threat today. At the Industry Day, Martin Hirzel presented the results of a survey of Swissmem member companies conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology at the University of Bern. They clearly show that attacks can hit any company regardless of its size. The damage potential is enormous and, in extreme cases, can jeopardize the very existence of a company. Accordingly, awareness of these risks is high in Swissmem member companies. Targeted measures are being implemented in almost all companies. As a result, 82 percent of the attacks classified as very serious had no consequences or could be remedied in the short term. Martin Hirzel, President of Swissmem, draws the following conclusion from this: "I am glad that there is a high level of awareness within the Swissmem membership about cyber attacks and physical threats. However, attention must not wane. Every company must always be technologically and organizationally prepared to fend off such attacks."

Experiences with cyber attacks

At a panel discussion, Irina Leutwyler, CEO Wesco AG, Barend Fruithof, CEO Aebi Schmidt AG, and Andrea Roth, CEO Geobrugg AG, described their experiences and lessons learned from attacks on their companies. Representing all of them, Irina Leutwyler supported the statement of the Swissmem President: "We are constantly preparing for the next attack. Because it will come!" The Industry Day was rounded off with a panel consisting of National Councilor Maja Riniker (FDP), National Councilor Edith Graf-Litscher (SP), National Councilor Franz Grüter (SVP) and National Councilor Gerhard Andrey (GRÜNE). Source: www.swissmem.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/sicherheit-ein-topthema-fuer-die-schweiz-und-ihre-industrie/