(27.11.2024) Cybersecurity continues to pose a significant challenge in Switzerland. Over the past three years, 4% of SMEs have fallen victim to a serious cyberattack, equating to approximately 24,000 businesses nationwide, according to a study by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).
Three-quarters (73%) of small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by cyber incidents reported substantial financial losses. Despite this, half of the surveyed companies believe the risk of a severe attack remains low. Furthermore, nearly 40% lack an emergency response plan or a business continuity strategy to mitigate such events.
The perception of cybercrime risk varies greatly across industries. In IT services, for instance, 68% of SMEs consider the risk of an attack to be "significant" or "very significant."
On the individual level, most respondents believe they know how to protect themselves well or very well against hackers. However, over a third still reuse passwords across multiple services, and many neglect to update their systems regularly.
IT service providers interviewed in the study recommend that Swiss businesses take cybersecurity more seriously (43%) and prioritize staff training (29%). The findings also reveal that tools like password managers and biometric security remain underused despite their proven effectiveness. Many employers also struggle to implement structural measures such as developing security frameworks, conducting audits, and providing employee training.
Last modification 27.11.2024
