Hybrid warfare – how do we protect critical infrastructure in Switzerland?

Since the war of aggression against Ukraine, at the latest, it has become clear that threats to our security are no longer limited to conventional means. Espionage, sabotage and cyber attacks are now part of the arsenal of modern warfare. They often operate covertly in the grey area between war and peace – with real, tangible consequences.

Switzerland is also affected by this. As a highly interconnected, technologically advanced country in the heart of Europe, it is particularly dependent on functioning critical infrastructure – and at the same time a potential target for hybrid attacks. Electricity supply, telecommunications, transport, water and waste disposal: protecting these vital systems is essential – not only in times of crisis, but every day.

Resilience, early detection and defence against hybrid threats are therefore becoming increasingly central to security policy considerations – both in the Federal Intelligence Service and in the work of politicians, cantons, municipalities and businesses.

The 24th SSF Security Talk is therefore dedicated to this complex and highly topical issue. The focus is on the following questions:

• What is the threat situation for our critical infrastructures in the context of hybrid warfare?

• Which critical infrastructures are particularly at risk – and why

• How have the risk and threat situation changed in recent years?

• What specific protection and defence measures already exist – and where are there gaps?

• How does coordination between the federal government, cantons, municipalities, operators and emergency services work?

We are delighted to welcome the following renowned experts to the 24th SSF Security Talk:

• Christian Sigrist, Deputy Director of the FIS, Head of the Impact Centre Prevention (ICP)

• Nick Wenger, Head of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Office, FOCP

• Jörg Köhler, Head of the Office for Military and Civil Defence, Canton of St. Gallen

• Markus Meile, Chief of Staff, Zurich Municipal Crisis Management Organisation

• Oberstlt i Gst Candrian Dino, LEA Ter Div 4, Swiss Armed Forces

The detailed programme and the complete list of speakers will be published here shortly.