Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field that uses the fascinating, often counterintuitive principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Unlike the computers we use every day, which rely on bits that represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use so called qubits that can represent multiple states at once. This lets them handle a huge amount of information simultaneously, potentially solving problems that would take traditional computers millions of years to crack.
Why Quantum Computing Matters
Quantum computing isn’t just a technological curiosity. It has the potential to reshape industries and improve our daily lives. Some of its most promising applications include:
- Healthcare and Medicine: Simulating complex molecules at the quantum level could speed up drug discovery and lead to more effective treatments, reducing the time and cost of bringing new medicines to patients.
- Materials Science: Quantum simulations could help design advanced materials—such as stronger building components, more efficient solar panels, or better batteries—leading to innovations that benefit entire economies.
- Finance: By analysing large, complex datasets at lightning speed, quantum computers could identify patterns and optimise investment strategies, leading to smarter risk management and more robust financial products.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Quantum enhancements could push AI to new heights, improving pattern recognition, language processing, and decision-making across sectors.
In Switzerland, academic institutions and companies are already exploring the potential of quantum technologies. Universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne are at the forefront of quantum research, and Swiss startups are working on quantum-safe communication solutions. This means that, as quantum computers mature, Switzerland is well-placed to both contribute to and benefit from these innovations.
The Cybersecurity “Record-Now, Decrypt-Later” Threat
With great power, however, comes great responsibility. Quantum computing not only promises breakthroughs but also poses cybersecurity risks. Current encryption methods that secure your online banking, health records, and government communications, rely on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve. But future quantum computers could crack these codes much more easily and quickly, potentially exposing sensitive data.
Even though there is not yet a quantum computer powerful enough to break today’s encryptions, the looming threat is clear. Attackers could intercept and store encrypted data today and simply wait. Once a sufficiently advanced quantum computer emerges, that previously secure data could become readable. Sensitive information like long-term government secrets, critical infrastructure designs, or personal financial records, could be at risk in the future, even if they are safe now. This challenge has caught the attention of governments and organisations worldwide as protecting such data against future quantum attacks becomes increasingly a high-stakes priority.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC)
The solution to looming quantum threats lies in post-quantum cryptography (PQC). PQC algorithms are designed to withstand both classical and quantum attacks. They rely on entirely different mathematical foundations than current encryption methods, making them much harder for quantum computers to solve.
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is playing a central role in developing these PQC standards, running an international competition since 2016 to identify and evaluate potential algorithms. This international perspective is key: The U.S., Europe and other global players including Switzerland are all committed to ensuring that PQC standards work seamlessly across borders.
Preparing for the Transition
Shifting from today’s encryption to quantum-safe methods is a massive undertaking that will not happen overnight and demands cooperation among government, industry, and academia:
- Government agencies need to set standards, fund research, and guide the transition.
- Industries must develop and deploy new cryptographic systems that protect everything from online banking to cloud services.
- Universities and research institutions (including Switzerland’s renowned centers for science and technology) are crucial for inventing new algorithms, testing their security, and training the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Quantum computing holds transformative promise in fields like medicine, finance and AI. Yet, cybersecurity implications must be faced head-on. The good news is, that momentum is building: PQC standards are on their way, and the transition has already begun. By embracing PQC and contributing to international efforts, Swiss researchers, government agencies, and companies are helping shape a future where the power of quantum computing is matched by equally powerful safeguards. With these steps, Switzerland is well-positioned to be a leader in the quantum era.
In the last three years, four percent of the SMEs surveyed in the Cyber Study 2024 have been victims of a cyber attack, which, extrapolated to Switzerland as a whole, corresponds to around 24,000 companies. 73% of those affected suffered significant financial damage. While 68% of the IT service providers surveyed consider the risk of a cyber attack to be high or very high, more than half of the SMEs surveyed rate the risk of a serious attack as low. This false sense of security could have serious consequences for companies if they do not take action quickly. It is also worrying that four out of ten companies have no emergency plan and no business continuity strategy in the event of a serious cyber attack. “Cybersecurity must be a priority. We can improve digital literacy in SMEs and minimise risks through awareness-raising and training. To this end, Mobiliar has launched a mobile event series called ‘Cyber on Tour’, which offers employees of SMEs the opportunity to experience cyber threats first hand and actively protect themselves against them” says Simon Seebeck, Head of the Cyber Risk Competence Centre at Mobiliar.
High potential through improved organisational and technical measures
Most of the IT service providers interviewed for the study recommend that Swiss SMEs take the issue of security more seriously (43%) and train their staff (29%). When it comes to choosing the right IT service provider, Andreas W. Kaelin, co-founder and managing director of Allianz Digital Security Switzerland ADSS, advises: “IT service providers have a direct influence on the cyber resilience of their SME customers. It is therefore important that they can prove their technical and organisational expertise, for example with the CyberSeal quality seal.”
The study shows that efficient digital tools such as password managers, biometrics and passkeys are only used cautiously in SMEs. Swiss SMEs find it even more difficult to implement organisational measures such as security concepts or to carry out security audits and staff training.
Private individuals rate their own cybersecurity as high
In the last three years, five percent of the private individuals surveyed were affected by a cyber attack. And yet the majority of respondents believe that they are fairly well to very well informed about how to protect themselves from cyber attacks. Around half rate the cyber security of their own household as high. This assessment is at odds with the behaviour of the majority of respondents: for example, over a third of survey participants mostly use the same password for different services, and many do not carry out updates in a timely manner. “The gap between awareness and action is worrying”, emphasises Katja Dörlemann, President of SISA. “While many recognise the importance of cybersecurity, few are taking concrete steps to protect their digital lives. It is crucial that both individuals and companies take proactive steps to mitigate the increasing threats.”
The public wants to know how to protect themselves from cyberattacks
The difference between the perceived and actual threat is also evident in the area of online shopping. Almost three quarters (72%) of respondents are not at all or only rarely concerned about being defrauded on online shops or booking platforms, although 13 per cent of respondents have actually experienced in the last five years paying for something they did not receive.
The study shows that almost two-thirds of respondents would like to be better informed about how to protect themselves online, but that they lack the will or ability to take action. Kristof Hertig, Lead Cybersecurity & Infrastructure, digitalswitzerland, points out: “Cybersecurity information already exists today. However, it needs to be better communicated to the public. In the fast-paced world we live in, cybersecurity is a distant thought for many.”
Need for action: cybersecurity as a shared responsibility
The 2024 Cyber Study emphasises the urgent need for additional precautions against cybercrime to be implemented in both private households and companies. “Small and medium-sized enterprises and private individuals in particular need help to strengthen their resilience”, says Nicole Wettstein of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW). “Cooperation between companies, IT experts and political decision-makers is key to promoting secure digital everyday life in Switzerland.”
From 18th – 20th June, the Digital Identity unConference Europe (DICE) took part in Zurich. It served as a magnifying glass to the world of digital identities, revealing insights and collaborative efforts across various states, industries and communities.
The first day of the unConference contained inputs from representatives in government, business and technology. In a highly anticipated opening statement Federal Councillor Beat Jans, the ‘elephant in the room’ got addressed right away: When and in what form will the E-ID and the associated trust infrastructure be ready? Mr. Jans clarified the projected timeline and the expected form of the new E-ID infrastructure in Switzerland, as the Swiss parliament is set to pass the necessary legislation in the upcoming fall. The Federal administration envisions a multi-stack approach, relying on different technologies in order to ensure optimal security as well as interoperability. The Federal Councillor’s insights built on the previous rejection of an E-ID project by Swiss voters in 2021. As a consequence, Mr. Jans emphasised that the revised approach aimed to be more transparent and secure, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure broader acceptance.
Additionally, the first day of the DICE set the Swiss E-ID project in an international context: Discussions explored how other countries are navigating the challenges and opportunities of digital identity systems, highlighting the diverse approaches to E-ID implementations across different regions of the world. From the EU’s eIDAS framework to the US government’s E-ID projects, the discussions underscored the importance of considering cultural and legal differences as well as the challenges regarding interoperability that lie ahead. Interoperability between different E-ID systems holds the premise of a seamless user experience and broader acceptance, yet it remains a challenging frontier. Various panellists emphasised the need for a steady and well-structured approach when it comes ensuring interoperability.
For the remaining days of DICE,the traditional conference format was abandoned. Instead, the unConference format fostered an open, participatory environment where every attendee could contribute and set up their own sessions to discuss a specific topic. This dynamic setup allowed for a fluid exchange of ideas and projects, making it an ideal setting for tackling the multifaceted issues of digital identity.
A recurring theme was the critical need for trust to achieve broader user acceptance, which was illustrated by discussions surrounding the implementation of the EU identity wallet system. Practical user experience focuses on making interfaces user-friendly and straightforward, with feedback loops to refine the system. Experts pointed to the importance of the wallet’s contextual relevance, accessibility to a vast amount of users, and ability to protect sensitive data. Industry standards can thereby influence its functionalities, while guardianship mechanisms should ensure that users’ rights and data are protected. The recovery process was mentioned as a vital aspect, as it must be robust and user-friendly to mitigate data loss risks and reinforce user trust in the system. By enhancing these aspects, the EU aims to create a digital identity wallet that is not only technologically robust but also widely accepted and used by the public.
The concept of organisational identity emerged as a more recent effort within the digital identity sphere. Organisational identity addresses how companies and organisations maintain their unique digital presence securely and consistently in a digital space. As organisations increasingly interact with various digital ecosystems — be it for regulatory compliance, customer engagement, or internal operations — the need for a coherent and secure organisational digital identity becomes paramount. Such an identity thereby encapsulates the organisation’s core attributes, such as its business type, industry standards, and operational roles, ensuring that all transactions and interactions are traceable and verifiable. Additionally, as organisations undergo digital transformations, maintaining a consistent identity across multiple platforms and services is essential to prevent fraud and enhance operational efficiency. Implementing strong authentication and authorization mechanisms can help organisations mitigate risks and enhance trust with partners and customers.
With quantum computing on the horizon, the unConference also touched upon the need for quantum-resistant digital identities. As quantum computers become more and more powerful in future, they could potentially break many of the cryptographic protocols that current digital identity systems rely on. The digital identity community is increasingly focused on developing quantum-resistant cryptography methods to ensure that digital identities remain secure even as the landscape of computing evolves. The challenge lies not only in developing these new cryptographic standards but also in integrating them into existing digital systems in a way that is seamless and transparent to users. This proactive approach in anticipating quantum resilience will play a vital role in maintaining the long-term security and viability of digital identity systems, safeguarding user data against future technological disruptions and ensuring that the digital identity ecosystem can withstand the next wave of upcoming computing advancements.
The Digital Identity unConference Europe was an innovative and collaborative ground for sowing the seeds and growing solutions of future digital identity frameworks and technologies. The discussions and insights provided not only a snapshot of current challenges and innovations but also a vision for the path forward — a path characterised by inclusivity, security, and adaptability to future technological shifts.
Study on the cybersecurity of Swiss internet users in 2023
A representative survey of over 1,200 people in Switzerland between August and September provided important insights into attitudes and behaviour towards cyber risks. The study shows that hacking and cyberattacks are becoming increasingly clever and frequent. The average household already has seven devices connected online that are potential targets, and this number is expected to rise. Employers play an important role in raising awareness, but this measure does not reach the most affected age group (65+) sufficiently. This group tends to rely on traditional media and their personal environment. Although 86% of respondents feel safe online and 68% rate their skills as good, 31% use the same password for almost all online services. The most common consequences of cyberattacks are financial losses, data loss and violations of personal rights.
The survey was carried out on behalf of the Swiss Mobiliar Insurance Company Ltd, digitalswitzerland, Allianz Digitale Sicherheit Schweiz, the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW – Digital Transformation Competence Centre, the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW and Swiss Internet Security Alliance (SISA).
Read the study in German.
Read the press release in German, French and Italian.
Read the press conference presentation in German.
To download the infographics of the study, please navigate to internet-sicherheit.ch.
Study on digitalisation and cybersecurity in SMEs 2023
8 out of 10 SMEs entrust their digital infrastructures to external IT service providers and also seek advice from them in the area of cybersecurity. However, there is hardly any progress in the implementation of measures to protect against cybercrime. The results of the latest study on digitalisation and cybersecurity in SMEs make it clear: the more companies identify themselves as digital pioneers, the more often they implement technical and organisational measures to strengthen cybersecurity in their company. However, while in previous years around one fifth of the SMEs surveyed always saw themselves as digital pioneers, in 2023 this figure is only around one tenth.
The survey was carried out on behalf of the Swiss Mobiliar Insurance Company Ltd, digitalswitzerland, Allianz Digitale Sicherheit Schweiz, the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW – Digital Transformation Competence Centre and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW.
Read the study in German. For further analysis, read the Whitepaper in German, French and Italian.
Read the press release in German, French and Italian.
Read the press conference presentation in German.