Cybersecurity has become a major issue for companies worldwide.
For Swiss SMEs, the situation is particularly worrying.
A recent study conducted by renowned institutions such as Digitalswitzerland and Mobiliar reveals some alarming figures.
If you’re a manager or assistant manager in a Swiss SME, this article is for you.
The reality of cyber attacks in Switzerland
According to the study, 1 in 10 Swiss SMEs has already been the victim of a cyber attack.
These attacks are not insignificant:
- 11% of companies affected had to make considerable efforts to recover from the attack.
- More worryingly, more than half have suffered financial losses.
- 13% said they had lost customer data or suffered damage to their reputation.
Source : ICTjournal
Perception versus reality
Most Swiss SMEs recognize the seriousness of cybercrime.
However, only a minority are taking concrete steps to protect themselves.
A poorly configured or obsolete firewall is no guarantee of security.
It’s essential to understand that security is not just a matter of installing tools, but requires a global approach that includes training and awareness-raising.
The importance of training and auditing
The study shows that technical measures are generally well deployed within SMEs.
However, organizational measures, such as regular employee training and security audits, are often neglected.
These shortcomings provide opportunities for cybercriminals.
At Infologo, we make sure that our customers are aware of cyber security concepts.
To this end, we offer micro-learning formats in partnership with Riot.
In fact, Riot offers to teach employees the basics of cybersecurity, all in a pleasant, interactive, chat-based way, lasting around 5 minutes.
The role of external service providers
Many Swiss SMEs use external service providers for their IT security.
However, only half of these providers can demonstrate IT security certification.
It is therefore crucial to choose certified and recognized partners.
Two labels exist in Switzerland to guarantee the security and reliability of companies and service providers: CyberSeal vs CyberSafe. Discover our article dedicated to these 2 labels.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not an option, but a necessity.
Managers and assistant managers of Swiss SMEs need to be aware of the seriousness of the situation, and act accordingly.
Prevention, training and the choice of certified partners are the keys to ensuring your company’s security.
Read our article on the impact of cyber attacks on a company.
