The vignette, which is valid from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023, is purple this time and can be obtained as usual at gas stations and garages, at post office counters and at road traffic offices and customs offices. Vehicle drivers should remove expired vignettes from the windshield to avoid possible obstructions to visibility. The year on the adhesive side is light blue, while the year on the front is white. The vignette still costs 40 francs.

Stick directly on the pane

In order for the vignette to be valid, it must be affixed directly to the vehicle in the prescribed location without the use of other materials: on the inside of the windshield in the case of passenger cars, and on an easily accessible and non-replaceable vehicle component in the case of trailers and motorcycles. Any removal and reattachment to the same or another vehicle is prohibited.

The introduction of the voluntary e-vignette is planned in the course of 2023, he said.

Source: Federal Customs Administration FCA

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is currently conducting several criminal proceedings on around 30 cases of ATM burglaries in Switzerland. The perpetrators often operate across cantonal and national borders. Accordingly, the conduct of the proceedings is resource-intensive, as the legal investigations have to be carried out by way of international legal assistance. As a rule, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland becomes involved whenever explosives are used.

Increase in cases involving explosives

When it comes to the use of gas, crowbars or circular saws, the responsibility falls to the cantons. As the Office of the Attorney General writesFor the past two years, there has been an increase in the number of cases in which ATMs have been broken into using explosives.

However, strong international cooperation is needed in the manhunt for ATM burglars. In 2020, for example, a crime scene in Switzerland led to an arrest in Denmark, which in turn led to an arrest in Austria, Fedpol media spokesman Florian Näf told "SRF". International cooperation is therefore crucial.

Federal prosecutor filed indictment for the first time

In October, when an ATM was blown up in Sevelen, the Federal Prosecutor's Office for the first time switched on and brought an indictment on the grounds of the danger it posed. According to the indictment, the accused in December 2019 in the canton of St.Gallen broke open that vending machine using explosives and stole from it cash in the amount of 126 600 francs.

By detonating the explosive device of the money machine on the outer facade of a multi-storey residential and commercial building, the accused, according to the indictment, at least condoned both injuries to persons and damage to other people's property as a consequence of his conduct, and in doing so acted "knowingly and willfully with criminal intent."

Source: SRF/Federal Prosecutor's Office

New framework conditions are to be laid down in the Road Traffic Act (SVG) by 2023, which will more precisely limit the extent to which vehicle drivers may be relieved of their duties and the extent to which automated systems are permitted for road traffic, provided that they operate on clearly defined individual routes and can be monitored. According to the Federal Council, automated vehicles can also increase road safety, improve traffic flow and reduce environmental emissions.

No more black box for delinquent motor vehicle drivers

In the case of speeding offenses, too, enforcement authorities and courts are to be given more discretionary powers to better assess the circumstances of offenses. However, the minimum term of imprisonment of one year is to be waived in future and the minimum duration of a driver's license suspension reduced from 24 to 12 months.

In the case of motor vehicle drivers with speeding offenses or driving impaired due to alcohol, a right of recourse rather than an obligation to recourse will apply in the future. This right of recourse will dispense with the introduction of an alcohol immobilizer and a black box.

Compulsory bicycle helmet for children and teenagers

The Federal Council is soon to be given the authority to introduce a general obligation to wear a bicycle helmet for young people over the age of 12, so that the road safety of very young road users is also better ensured. Currently, the number of accidents is increasing from the age of 12.

In the case of the probationary period for new drivers, it will be examined whether the probationary driver's license will only be forfeited if the holder commits another medium or serious offense during the probationary period.

At its meeting on 17 November 2021, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the amendment of the Road Traffic Act. The amendments to the Road Traffic Act will now be dealt with by parliament. The entry into force of the amendments is planned to be staggered from 2023.

Source: Astra/Federation

More than 40 percent of Swiss SMEs have already been victims of cyber attacks. Even if small companies are usually less interesting for cyber criminals, these companies also remain popular targets for attackers to demand some ransom via encryption Trojans or to abuse these companies that cooperate with other larger companies. Managing security information was then also the focus of the Smidex Suisse Exposyum, which aims to represent a first live platform for physical security systems and cyber security.

Prominent speakers

Around 30 presentations were also held on three stages in Hall 550, each lasting half an hour. For example, mam was able to listen to Candid Wüest from Acronis, who showed which disaster recovery strategies companies were currently struggling with the most. Also represented were Nicolas Bürer, managing director of Digitalswitzerland, and Nathalie Gratzer from the Federal Office for National Economic Supply. The importance of "ethical hacking" was also underscored with a guest presentation from Bug Bounty Switzerland.

According to the organizer Delta Blue AG, despite the high-quality presentations, around 30 percent of the purchased visitor tickets remained unused. Unfortunately, this reflects the current situation in the event industry, which is why the halls were still almost half empty, especially on Thursday. Nevertheless, according to Delta Blue, they consider themselves lucky that the first edition of Smidex could be held successfully, while very many other events had to be cancelled recently.

In any case, next year's Smidex 2022 is already in the planning stage and the organizers are pleased with the feedback they have received from presenters and partners, according to their final communiqué.

Source: Delta Blue AG

As the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) writes, in the fall of 2020 there were break-ins and attempted break-ins at several Swiss gun stores. Several hundred firearms were stolen. As a result, the FDJP has adapted the ordinance on the minimum requirements for business premises of gun stores.

Safety cabinets and

For example, potential entrances such as doors and windows in particular must now meet the more stringent security standards. In the future, gun stores will be required to store certain types of weapons, such as serial firearms, in a security cabinet and to secure the business premises with an alarm system.

Security cabinets and video surveillance

From now on, any alarm triggered must be forwarded around the clock to a manned alarm center or directly to the police. Furthermore, the security standards, which will come into force on January 1, 2022, stipulate that all firearms operations must be secured with a video surveillance solution.

According to the FDJP, the amended ordinance is intended to increase security in Switzerland. A transition period of five years is planned for the implementation of the new requirements after consultation with the Swiss Association of Gunsmiths and Arms Dealers.

Stores must then submit a protection concept to the cantonal firearms offices and prove that they meet the requirements. The majority of the cantonal firearms offices have already approved the amendments to the ordinance.

Source: FDJP

At a meeting on 17.11.2021, the Federal Council made some changes to working conditions of professional chauffeurs and drivers, adapting equivalent EU regulations. Most of the changes will come into force as of January 1, 2022, and mainly regulate the working, driving and rest times.

According to a communication from the Federal Council, the adjustment of the provisions is intended to create more legal certainty and a level playing field in cross-border traffic.

The following amendments shall enter into force as of January 1, 2022 (in the wording of the Federal Council):

• Chauffeurs and drivers are now exempt from the Chauffeur Ordinance if they deliver handcrafted goods within a limited radius.
• Chauffeurs and drivers are not allowed to spend the weekly rest periods of 45 hours and more in the vehicle.
• The possibility is created for drivers to take two reduced weekly rest periods in succession. However, this only applies outside the country of the company's location and must be compensated in each case.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the driving time may be extended by up to two hours in order to reach the company's location or the driver's residence. However, it is a condition that a weekly rest period is taken after arrival.
• Companies should organize trips so that the chauffeur can return to the company's location or residence at least once in a four-week period for the weekly rest period.
• If a vehicle is equipped with an analog tachograph, the driver must record the border crossing by hand on the insertion sheet.
• From February 2, 2022, border crossings must also be entered manually for journeys with vehicles with digital tachographs (without position determination service). For journeys with vehicles with analog tachographs, the insert sheets for the last 56 days and no longer just the last 28 days must be carried from December 31, 2024.
• Chauffeurs and drivers who are subject to work, driving and rest time regulations and who drive winter service missions may extend the period for taking their rest from 24 to 30 hours in domestic transport. However, this exception may be used no more than once a week if there is an unforeseen assignment. A regular weekly rest period must be taken during the week in question. In addition, an extended daily rest period to be taken in one piece must be taken as compensation. This increases flexibility in the event of unforeseen assignments (e.g. due to a change in the weather).

Source: Astra 

Old town Mellingen © Depositphotos

As reported by CH Media's daily newspapers, the Mellingen municipal administration discovered that unknown perpetrators had gained access to employees' email accounts over midday on October 27, 2021, and sent spam emails to various recipients in their names over a period of several hours.

The supposed messages contained a real mail history and a link to malware. Bruno Gretener, the mayor of the municipality, was also affected, and e-mails were also sent from his e-mail address. However, the mails were of poor quality in terms of appearance.

Outlook vulnerability known for a long time

After the cyberattack became known, the municipality consulted its IT service provider and IT forensics expert, whereupon the vulnerability was quickly remedied. A criminal complaint against unknown persons was filed with the public prosecutor's office. The case was also reported to the data protection officer.

Interestingly, a long known vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server was exploited when Web Access (OVA) was enabled, which sprouted after a September update. The Outlook vulnerability had been exploited by cyber attackers for some time and could only be fixed later by a software update.

The extent of the incident is still uncertain. It is also unknown whether the cyber attackers had also copied data from the e-mail inboxes of municipal employees. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out at this point in time whether sensitive personal data was compromised.

Source: CH Media

Those who exercise in their free time are doing something good for their bodies. However, those who overstrain themselves or train incorrectly can also cause damage to their health. According to the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU), 4800 people living in Switzerland are injured during fitness training every year. The BFU lists some tips that can help prevent injuries during recreational sports.

Do not forget the warm up phase

Thus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist before the first training session in order to follow their training recommendations. In any case, it is important not to forget to warm up before training. This can be done on a cross trainer, treadmill or bicycle ergometer, for example. If you are over 35 and haven't done any sports for a long time, you can also check with your doctor before training.

Do not handle too much weight

It is also advisable to put on non-slip shoes before training and to take off obstructive objects such as watches, rings and jewelry. When training with weights, movements should be performed slowly and in a controlled manner, and only enough weight should be used to allow ten repetitions per exercise series.

Last but not least, it is also advisable to keep your ambition in check and to perform the exercises in a way that works for you. In case of doubt, you should be able to fall back on a supervisor and also take sufficient breaks between the series of exercises.

Source: AAIB

According to a statement by Europol and Interpol, the suspected mastermind of the ransomware "REvil" was caught in an international raid. Romanian police, the U.S. Department of Justice and Europol arrested several suspected members of the hacker collective. In total, seven suspects have been arrested in different countries over several months, as Europol reports.

In July, cybercriminals managed to launch a spectacular ransomware attack against the US software company Kaseya. According to the estimates, hundreds of companies were affected worldwide. As a result, the Swedish supermarket chain Coop, for example, had to close the majority of its stores because of the failed checkout systems.

Over 200 million euros ransomware

According to Europol, two suspects were also arrested in Romania and a man in Kuwait. The gang is said to be linked to over 7000 ransomware infiltrations. In some cases, more than 200 million euros in ransom money was demanded for the extortions.

Law enforcement efforts to date have resulted in the release of three decryption tools as part of the No More Ransom project, saving more than 49,000 systems and over 60 million euros in unpaid ransom so far, according to Europol. Bitdefender and many partners have since released a range of decryption tools on the eponymous Website provided.

Source: Europol/SDA

Stevens Vertriebs GmbH recalls the Advisory Office for Accident Prevention (BFU) various e-bike models, which can pose a risk of falls and accidents. At higher loads, as the Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau writes, a breakage of the drive shaft can not be ruled out, which can lead to a significant risk of falls and accidents.

The following models of the series "Stevens E-Inception" of the model year 2021 are affected by the product recall:

• E-Inception FR 9.7 GTF
• E-Inception ED 8.7 GTF
• E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF
• E-Inception AM 8.7 GTF

Affected consumers who own one of the aforementioned e-bikes are asked to stop using it and contact their Stevens dealer for a free exchange or replacement of the e-bike.

Source: Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau

Figures from the business information service Crif show that for the first six months of this year it recorded over one million reports from users of an IT attack on their personal data.

Online games and dating platforms are particularly affected, but websites, forums and streaming services also fall into the category of abuse incidents, he said.

However, the trade in stolen data is also increasingly taking place on Telegram. The short message service is increasingly becoming a "virtual meeting place" for cyber crooks, who exchange personal data such as lists of stolen e-mail addresses and passwords of companies or private individuals.

Overall, a significant increase in the number of cases in which complete credit card information correctly matches the first and last names of cardholders can be discerned.

How to protect your identity preventively:

• Be mindful of web presences with high benefit promises.
• Pay attention to security updates of antivirus software and operating system.
• Open email attachments only if you trust the senders.
• Always look for encrypted websites (https).

If you have already been a victim of identity theft:

• Inform your payment providers, banks and credit card company immediately.
• Change your passwords and credentials of the affected accounts.
• Not every invoice is genuine: if in doubt, inform the company.
• Always look for encrypted websites (HTTPS encryption).
• Report fake social media profiles to the operators of the social networks.
• Change your passwords regularly and use two-factor authentication.

By the way, according to an analysis of passwords found on the Dark Web, the following passwords are the most popular in Switzerland: Daniel, Andrea, Soleil, Sunshine and Sommer.

Source: Crif

As the most important platform for safety and fire protection in the B2B environment, the Safety Congress will bring together the most important decision-makers, commissioners and experts for safety at national level from January 18 to January 21, coinciding with the Swissbau 2022 trade fair. The total of seven half-day modules can be booked individually or in any number according to personal interest. Moreover, the presentations of the two half-day modules on Wednesday 19 January 2022 will be simultaneously translated from German into French.

Seven congress modules

Module 1, new safety requirementsAndré Duvillard, the delegate of the federal government and the cantons in the Swiss Security Network, will open the first of seven half-day congress modules on January 18. Immediately afterwards, an expert will provide answers to the challenges in the field of urban security and urban crime prevention.

Module 2, build and maintain safelyModule two on the afternoon of the first day of the congress will focus on occupational safety and health protection with measures for planning, construction, assembly and maintenance work.

Module 3, Security as a serviceThe topic of drones and detection is not missing either. Hansjürg Inniger, head of the asut working group "digital experience circle", shares his drone knowledge on corporate security.

Module 4, Fire Protection and BIMModule four is scheduled for the afternoon of January 19. An experienced BIM expert will show where the current problems lie with "BIM & Fire Protection" and which additional standards or uniform processes and information are necessary. But thanks to BIM, do planners and authorities still need them at all? No one is likely to answer this question better than a representative of the fire protection authorities themselves. He is the president of the interest group "BIM & Fire Protection" and is employed by the Bern Building Insurance.

Module 5, Building securityArtificial intelligence, deep learning, dashboards, convergence and innovation are not just buzzwords, as the participants of the fifth half-day will see. Among other things, they will hear first-hand about the innovative security system at the European Central Bank.

Module 6, Service interruptionsThe top risks currently include pandemics, cyber incidents and blackouts. Congress module number six on January 20, 2022, will be devoted to these three risks in the afternoon. Bettina Zimmermann, an experienced crisis manager, will be on the podium. In addition, Michael Schneider, Lorenz Cairoli and Helmut Capol are further specialists and greats in their field on the stage. The former is Associate Director IT & Security at IWC Schaffhausen, the latter is Chief of Staff in the crisis team at Primeo Energie, and the third is Head of Infrastructure at the St. Galler Kantonalbank.

Module 7, Fire protection and environmental protection: Fire safety and environmental protection are also compatible. However, what it takes to achieve this, what new hazardous situations as well as fire risks arise and what restrictions currently apply, will be reported in the last half-day of the Safety Congress 2022. According to the program, this will be on the agenda on Friday morning, January 21.

The participation fees for the Safety Congress include free admission to the Swissbau 2022 trade fair.

More about the Security Congress: save.ch/event/Security-Congress-01-2022

Swissbau at a glance: swissbau.ch