Previous FSS Security Talks
16th FSS Security Talk | Increased federal commitment to cybersecurity: How secure is Switzerland?, February 21, 2024
The numerous participants at the 16th FSS Security Talk as part of the 6th Swiss Cyber Security Days (SCSD), which invited thousands of interested people to BERNEXPO on February 20/21, showed that the topic of cybersecurity is attracting a great deal of attention. In the recent past, the Confederation, authorities and private companies in Switzerland have had to learn from a number of painful examples just how dangerous the massive increase in attacks from the information and cyber space is and what damage they cause.
However, increased awareness of cyberattacks alone is not enough, explained Martin von Muralt, Delegate of the Swiss Security Network (SVS): "For effective crisis management, we need well-coordinated, subsidiary cooperation at all three levels of government (federal, cantonal and municipal) with clear processes and responsibilities." The upcoming Security Network Exercise 2025, where the Federal Council will be practising together with all cantonal governments for the first time, is about gaining important insights in this regard.
"The creation of the new Federal Office for Cyber Security (BACS) and the new State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) as well as the revision of the Security Information Act at the beginning of 2024 show that the Federal Council and Parliament are taking cyber issues very seriously," emphasized Florian Schütz, new Director of the BACS. The new federal offices are the natural and targeted further development of the existing institutions and a clear response from the federal government to the increased requirements in the area of cyber security.
Increasing cyber resilience is also a hot topic in the private sector, as Tobias Schoch, Chief Security Officer of the AXA insurance group, explained. "As a globally active company with thousands of jobs, AXA recognized the risks early on and invests in cyber security accordingly every year!" This pays off in any case and AXA is among the top 25 companies in terms of cyber defense.
However, the necessary change in awareness of cyber security is not yet taking place in all areas, and there is still a need for action, especially among SMEs, said National Councillor Maja Riniker and member of Sik-N: "It is therefore essential that, on the one hand, awareness and training of cyber risks is promoted, as the most common weak point is still the human being." On the other hand, there needs to be a certain destigmatization of those affected by cyber incidents, especially as there are now various contact points where professional advice can be obtained quickly in the event of a cyber incident.
National Councillor Gerhard Andrey, also a member of the SiK-N, takes a similar view, but identifies an additional danger in the case of stolen data: "This is still far too little recognized today, because in the event of a data leak, it is not only the attacked company that suffers damage, but also all the people whose data has been stolen. The resulting collateral damage to companies and individuals is often simply accepted. For this reason, he wants to work in Parliament to ensure that this issue is taken seriously.
The summary report with a detailed breakdown of the findings from the panel discussion can be found here.
The program with the panel guests can be found here.
FORUM SICHERHEIT SCHWEIZ (FSS) can look back on a successful event and would like to thank all panel guests for the exciting discussion and the Swiss Cyber Security Days for their cooperation.
Photo gallery:
15th FSS Security Talk | Cyber espionage and data security, November 22, 2023
In just a few years, humans have created a highly complex cyberspace that enables the total interconnectedness of the world in all dimensions (water, land, air and space). Digital space is highly efficient and useful, but at the same time highly dangerous. The resulting vulnerabilities and risks are also omnipresent in Switzerland, whether from criminal hackers, groups organized in semi-state forms or states. This has serious consequences not only for military and civil security but also for Switzerland as a location for business and innovation and for a liberal and open civil society in general.
The experts at the 15th FSS Security Talk agreed that there is a great need for action, as Switzerland must significantly and quickly improve its cyber resilience. Nicolas Mayencourt, IT pioneer, put it this way: "If you leave the door of the safe open and hang a sign outside on the street, you shouldn't be surprised when data thieves strike mercilessly".
In the presence of around 150 interested participants, renowned experts such as Major General Jürgen Setzer (Deputy Inspector General CIR and CISO Bundeswehr), Dr. Myriam Dunn Cavelty (Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich), Nicolas Mayencourt (Founder & Global CEO, Dreamlab Technologies), Johann Alessandroni (Head of Information Security Governance, Excellium Services by Thales Group) and Franz Grüter (National Councillor (SVP, LU) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the green.ch Group) discussed the dangers in cyberspace and the steps needed to counter them effectively.
The detailed summary report with the exciting findings from the input presentations and the panel discussion can be found here.
Find the program for the event here.
FORUM SICHERHEIT SCHWEIZ (FSS) can look back on a successful event and would like to thank all those who attended for their participation.
Photo gallery:
(Photographer: Monika Flückiger)
14th SSF Security Talk | Security of Supply, 4 September 2023
Switzerland's prosperity and security of supply are very closely linked to global supply chains. Wars, conflicts, disasters, accidents and other "events" can suddenly affect or even completely disrupt supply chains. The consequences are supply bottlenecks, shortages of goods and rising prices. The consequences of dependence on certain countries and production plants are particularly evident in the area of pharmaceuticals, where for years medicines have been in short supply or no longer available at all, as most active ingredients and basic medical substances are now only produced in China or India. For this reason, countries such as the USA or France have begun to relocate the production of basic medical substances back to their own countries.
Under the buzzwords "de-coupling" or "de-risking", other industries are also trying to reduce their dependence, especially on China. Simon Evenett, Professor of International Trade and Economic Development at the University of St. Gallen, showed in his opening speech, however, that this "de-coupling" often only takes place on paper, but not in reality. At the same time, he pleaded for viewing security of supply not as a problem of globalisation, but as a problem of supply. History shows that opening up to the outside world and greater diversification have been much more effective than protectionism.
Hans Häfliger, the new Federal Commissioner for National Economic Supply, also emphasised the importance of provision in his first public appearance. At the same time, he made it clear that the economy is primarily responsible for national supply and that the FONES only intervenes in a subsidiary capacity. However, there is an important and well-rehearsed cooperation between the private sector and some authorities and sector specialists in Switzerland. One example of this is the minimum reserve system, which apparently attracts a lot of interest abroad.
In the following, highly exciting panel discussion, Dr Hans Häfliger was joined by other proven experts: Martine Ruggli, President, Swiss Pharmacists' Association pharmaSuisse, Dr Alexander Muhm, new Head of Freight Transport and Member of the Executive Board, SBB AG, and Rainer Deutschmann, Head of Security & Transport at Migros-Genossenschaftsbund. Three central topics were discussed: "Global supply chains and security of supply", "Focus on the supply of medicines" and "Crisis management and measures to increase security of supply". The insightful findings of the panel, which was followed by around 90 interested participants, can be found in the summary report.
Find the program of the event here.
Photo gallery:
(Photographer: Monika Flückiger)
13th SSF Security Talk | Re-export of armaments, 20. April 2023
How can Switzerland extricate itself from this self-inflicted dilemma between the right of neutrality and the internationally demanded solidarity with Ukraine? And how can a realistic and long-term understanding of neutrality be found that can be ap-plied not only to the war in Ukraine, but also to other armed threats?
These important questions were the focus of the 13th SSF Security Talk on the topic of "Switzerland in the conflict between international and neutrality law and the re-export of armaments". The event was opened by former National Councillor and SSF board member Roland Borer. He welcomed the almost 100 interested participants, including many young participants/students, and emphasised the great importance of the current topic.
The 13th SSF Security Talk kicked off with two informative input presentations. First, Simon Plüss (Minister, Deputy Head of Bilateral Economic Relations, Head of Arms Control and Arms Control Policy, SECO) gave an insight into the foundations and developments of the Confederation's arms control policy. Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Christoph Frei (political scientist and professor of international relations, University of St. Gallen) opened the temporal and geographical horizon with an input on Swiss neutrality in a historical and geopolitical context.
During the subsequent panel discussion with the speakers Roland Borer and Prof. Dr. Christoph Frei as well as National Councillor Mauro Tuena (President SiK-N) and Dr. Stefan Brupbacher (Director, Swissmem), corresponding perspectives for action for Switzerland were discussed and the central challenges for the Swiss arms industry and neutrality were debated. It became apparent that the current understanding of neutrality is an obstacle for the Swiss defence industry and meets with a lack of understanding abroad. Despite agreement on the need for action, it is difficult to find political majorities for an adjustment of Swiss arms control policy.
Find the detailed summary report here.
Find the program of the event here.
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12th SSF Security Talk | Defence Policy, 7. November 2022
"We must be prepared for the worst case scenario - that is the defence case" | "It would be a big mistake to ever again underestimate the role of military power in international relations" | "The build-up in the Swiss army has already begun!" |
"The young generation is ready to fight for a better world"
These are some of the key statements made at the 12th SSF Security Talk on the topic of "A turning point for (Swiss) defence policy?" The event was opened by Councillor of States and SPC-S President Werner Salzmann. He welcomed the high-calibre speakers, panel guests and the 110 interested participants, including many young participants/students, and emphasised the great importance of the current topic.
The 12th SSF Security Talks kicked off with three informative input presentations. First, Jörg Vollmer (General (ret.), German Armed Forces) drew a clear and unsparing security policy picture of Europe. Equally exciting was the presentation by Claude-France Arnould (former Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency) who explained the complexity of European security and armament policy and the not always congruent positions of France and Germany. Afterwards, Lt. Gen. Thomas Süssli (Chief of the Armed Forces) spoke. He made clear where the Swiss Armed Forces stand today in terms of equipment, capabilities and number of army personnel and what steps are urgently needed to restore Switzerland's defence capability.
In the panel discussion that followed, Mme Arnould and Mr. Vollmer were joined by Werner Salzmann (President SPC-S), Prof. Dr. Holger Mey (Vice President Advanced Concepts, Airbus Defence and Space) and Hans-Peter Kellerhals (Major General (ret.), deputy editor-in-chief ASMZ), three otherwise recognised security experts. They made it crystal clear what the consequences and the big lessons of the war in Ukraine for Europe and Switzerland are and how long it will take us to regain a credible defence capability.
Find the detailed summary report here.
Find the program of the event here.
Photo gallery (Photographer: Daniel Saxer)
11th FSS Security Talk | Cyber threats, 17 October 2022
"We know the enemy but we do not know how to fight him and protect ourselves" | "Too little attention is paid to the increasing convergence between IT and OT" | "The Swiss Armed Forces Cyber Command will be fully operational in 2024!" | "Let us think more in terms of opportunities than risks".
These are some of the key statements made at the 11th FSS Security Talk on the topic "Cyber threats - How big is the danger and how can the state, the economy and society protect themselves?". The first part of the event consisted of three informative input presentations by Dr Stefanie Frey (Managing Director, Deutor Cyber Security Solutions GmbH, Advisory Group ENISA), Colonel Robert Flück (Project “Komando Cyber”, Swiss Armed Forces) and Dr Peter Friedli (Head of Defence, AWK Group), who addressed the global, military, and operational challenges in connection with the growing cyber threats. The second part of the event was followed by an exciting panel discussion with the again very renowned experts Florian Schütz (Delegate of the Swiss Confederation for Cyber Security), Dr. Jörg Mäder (National Councillor GLP/ZH, freelance programmer) Alexandra Arni (Head of ICT, Swiss Bankers Association, Vice-President Swiss FS-CSC) and Dr. Urs Loher (CEO Thales Suisse SA), during which the audience also had the opportunity to contribute their questions. The event was moderated by Fredy Müller (Managing Director FSS).
The experts basically agreed that cyber security affects every individual in society and that cooperation across all levels of government is necessary to adequately counter the growing cyber threats. However, the presentations and the subsequent panel discussion also showed that we are still far from understanding the cyber threat in all its facets and taking the necessary measures. It is still an area where a great deal remains to be done and where cross-sector and cross-level exchange is crucial.
The lively discussion between experts and the interested and well-mixed audience (110 participants) continued at the aperitif afterwards.
You will find detailed summary report here.
Find the program of the event here.
Photo gallery (Photographer: Daniel Saxer)
10th SSF Security Talk | Crisis management, 30 March 2022
How crisis-proof is the Swiss political system with its peculiarities, such as federalism or consultation procedures? What is needed for optimal crisis management in terms of structures, processes, communication and leaders? What lessons can be learned from past national security exercises? What was crisis management like in the Corona pandemic? What do we need to optimise in crisis management with a view to the Ukraine war and the electricity shortage?
These central questions were discussed at the 10th FSS Security Talk in Bern by renowned experts such as Major General Georg Klein (Head of Operations Department, German Armed Forces), Rainer Deutschmann (Director of the Crisis Team of the Migros Group), Brigadier Raynald Droz (Commander Military Police), Marianne Binder-Keller (National Councillor), Hans-Jürg Käser (Head of Security Network Exercise 19; former President KKJPD) and Dr. Stefan Holenstein (President of the National Conference of Military Umbrella Organisations (LKMD)). The event was moderated by Dr. Wolfgang Herles (former head of politics at ZDF).
The presentations and the subsequent lively panel discussion allowed for an instructive exchange on the findings of crisis management to date and the future organisation of Swiss crisis management. Experts and practitioners agreed in principle that Switzerland's crisis management had proved its worth. However, there was clearly room for improvement, especially in the organisation and cooperation of the crisis teams.
The discussion between experts and the interested audience (100 participants) continued at the subsequent aperitif.
Find a detailed summary report here.
Find the program of the event here.
Photo gallery (Photographer: Daniel Saxer):
9th FSS Security Talk | Security Forces in a Modern State, October 27, 2021
How do social changes affect the work of the security forces? What are the greatest threats to public and private security? What opportunities and risks do new technologies and data analyses bring to policing? How should competences in the security sector between state and private actors be organised, and how does their cooperation work?
These and other questions were addressed by renowned experts such as Thomas Würgler (former commander of the cantonal police Zurich), Dr. Matthias Leese (Center for Security Studies, ETH), Moritz Oberli (EY Switzerland), Eva Hürlimann (Institut Vivacitas) and Armin Berchtold (Association of Swiss Security Service Companies) at the 9th SSF Security Talk at the Bellevue Hotel in Bern.
The two presentations and the subsequent lively panel discussion facilitated a high-level exchange between experts and practitioners on the current and future challenges facing security forces.
With a successful discussion and subsequent aperitif, the highly exciting 9th FSS Security Talk ended with 90 interested guests.
A detailed summary report can be found here.
The program of the event can be found here.
Photo gallery (Photography: SSF Secretariate)
8th FSS Security Talk | Switzerland and Neutrality, August 31, 2021
Is Switzerland's neutrality a bonus or an obstacle in a globalized world? When is it necessary for a neutral country to become active? These and other questions were addressed by renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Oliver Diggelmann (University of Zurich), Micheline Calmy-Ray (former Federal Councillor), Pälvi Pulli (DDPS), Dr. Thomas Greminger (Geneva Center for Security Research) and Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (National Councillor, Die Mitte) at the 8th FSS Security Talk at the Hotel Schweizerhof in Berne.
The input speeches and the subsequent panel discussion allowed for a highly interesting exchange between experts and practitioners on the past, present and future challenges of Swiss neutrality. Neutrality remains one of the most important pillars of Swiss foreign policy. However, the experts' remarks made clear that neutrality or "sitting still and keeping one's distance" from conflicts in a geostrategically changing and globalized world is no longer an option. Neutrality does not automatically offer protection in international conflicts and against the adversities of a disruptive and complex world. As a small political state and an economic middle power, Switzerland is constantly challenged to shape its "foreign policies" actively and wisely. This includes not only foreign and foreign economic policy, but also other topics and policy areas such as security, peace policy, development cooperation, energy and environmental issues, and so on. In all these areas, Switzerland brings an enormous amount of know-how and experience, but also the necessary resources, including financial means, which are well invested. Former Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey aptly summed up the discussion: "Neutrality is a bonus for Switzerland. But the issues and activities involved demand a much higher degree of constant reflection, creative will and commitment than before!"
With this positive conclusion, the highly exciting 8th FSS Security Talk ended with 90 interested guests and a gratifying number of young participants.
A detailed summary report can be found here (German).
You can find a detailed program here.
Photo gallery (Photographer: Daniel Saxer):
7th SSF Security Talk | Fake News and Digital Safety - October 1, 2020
What framework conditions do we need to reduce digital security risks and the effects of disinformation / fake news? Renowned experts discussed and lectured on this question at the 7th SSF Security Talk at the University of St. Gallen. In addition to the personal responsibility of users of digital infrastructures, the experts also pleaded for the promotion of media literacy and a critical reflection on further steps in digitalization. Around 100 guests attended the event, which was organised by the FORUM SICHERHEIT SCHWEIZ in cooperation with the Sicherheitspolitisches Forum St. Gallen.
Please find here the concluding report.
The program of the event can be found here.
Photo gallery (Photographer: Béatrice Devènes)
6th SSF Security Talk | Resilience as a Key Skill in the Event of a Crisis - September 10, 2020
In the VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), the reports of malfunctions and faults with critical services / infrastructures are multiplying. The causes are often unforeseeable, occur surprisingly and therefore have far-reaching consequences. The findings are clear: Classic risk management and individual measures cannot guarantee the survival of networked systems. This applies to companies as well as to the operators of critical infrastructures, to authorities, public safety organizations and the armed forces. Resilience as a safety concept provides the answer to increasingly complex damage scenarios. Strong resilience cushions the negative consequences of faults, irrespective of the trigger. It reduces the duration and intensity of performance failures. This minimizes reputational damage and creates a competitive advantage.
Please find here the concluding report.
The program of the event can be found here.
5th SSF Security Talk | Women in Security - November 14, 2019
How can women be involved more strongly in security matters? Federal Councillor Viola Amherd and other distinguished speakers elaborated on this question during the 5th SSF Security Talk at the University of Lucerne. The first-ever female defense minister of Switzerland demanded one thing in particular: concrete action! Around 250 guests participated in the event which was organized by the SWISS SECURITY FORUM in cooperation with the organizations LIPS and SPFZ.
Please find here the concluding report and the program (only German and French) of the 5th Security Talk by the SWISS SECURITY FORUM.
Media coverage: Luzerner Zeitung & Luzerner Rundschau
Photo gallery (photographer: Stefan Kämpfen, Luzerner Rundschau; Daniel Saxer/iOf; Esther Salzmann)
4th SSF Security Talk | E-ID: The transparent citizen in the cyber world - October 2, 2019
The first public event on E-ID after the enactment of the new law about electronic identification has generated great interest : more than 80 SSF members and guests discussed about identification in the cyber world.
The keynote speakers Adrian Perrig (ETH) and Markus Naef (Swiss Sign Group) elucidated trust-building in the digital world and clarified misunderstandings about E-ID. Thereafter, a diverse panel with representatives of business and politics discussed about the opportunities and threats of the planned Swiss E-ID and the division of tasks between the public and the private sector.
The 4th SSF Security Talk made clear that Switzerland will face an intense and interesting debate about E-ID.
Please find here the concluding report, the program and the press release in German about the 4th SSF Security Talk
Photo gallery (photographer: Béatrice Devènes)
3rd SSF Security Talk | The role of Switzerland in European peacebuilding - May 10, 2019
More than 60 interested people came together on May 10th, 2019 in Berne to discuss Switzerland's role in European peacebuilding efforts. A keynote speech of OSCE general secretary Thomas Greminger and a vivid panel discussion with representatives of the federal government, politics and academia shed light on this complex topic.
Please find here the concluding report and the program of the 3rd Security Talk of the SWISS SECURITY FORUM.
Photo gallery (photographer: Béatrice Devènes)
2nd SSF Security Talk | Critical infrastructure - April 10, 2019
More than 110 interested people from business, public administration, academia and civil society gathered in Berne on April 10th, 2019 to learn about the topic of critical infrastructure. Two lectures and an interesting panel discussion with representatives of the federal government as well as senior managers from SBB, Swisscom and Migros discussed the extensive consequences which disruptions of systematically relevant infrastructure would have.
Please find here the concluding report and the program (only in German and French) of the 2nd Security Talk of the SWISS SECURITY FORUM.
Photo gallery (photographer: Béatrice Devènes)
1st SSF Security Talk | The future of security - November 1, 2018
Hans-Jürg Käser, President of the SWISS SECURITY FORUM, was pleased to welcome around 70 people from business and society as well as militia organisations and public authorities to the first SSF Security Talk. The event took place at the Hotel Schweizerhof in Berne and had the title "The Future of Security".
The Deputy Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Aldo C. Schellenberg, spoke about future security challenges for Switzerland. The subsequent panel discussion focused on different aspects of security, including economic, social and European issues. Invited as second panelist was the former German defence attaché in Switzerland, Lieutenant colonel i.G. Peter Beschnidt.
Please find here the concluding report and the program (only in German) of the 1st SSF Security Talk.
Photo gallery (photographer: Béatrice Devènes)
