Cybersecurity: support for SMEs
The Canton of Zug, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) have launched a new information platform for cyber security to support SMEs throughout Switzerland.
For many SMEs, cyber attacks are still an abstract and intangible threat and companies are often not sufficiently protected. There is a lack of low-threshold access to information that is specifically tailored to SMEs and presented in an understandable way. The partners mentioned want to fill this gap with the Switzerland-wide "IT Security for SMEs" service, or ITSec4KMUclose.
No progress
Attacks on Swiss SMEs are increasing and increasing. As a recent study by the research institute gfs-Zurich shows, the implementation of measures to increase cyber security has been stagnating for several years. SMEs still lack the time and understanding for the problem - and they feel that they are not targeted enough by cyber criminals.
Relevant information
The ITSec4KMU platform offers a range of information on the topic of cyber security that is specifically tailored to the needs, skills and interests of Swiss SMEs. "We make the relevant information easily accessible. It is also important that SMEs become aware of this and that the platform develops into an important source of information," explains Heinz Tännler, member of the cantonal government and finance director of the Canton of Zug and president of ITSec4KMU. The aim is to create an initial awareness of cybersecurity so that SMEs can recognize what they are up against and implement appropriate initial measures for better cybersecurity protection. Under the heading "Deepen knowledge", SMEs can, for example, carry out an initial assessment of where they stand in terms of cybersecurity (cf. www.itsec4kmu.ch/wissen-vertiefen/selbsttests).
The recently launched platform forms the basis for the development and expansion of the network: ITSec4KMU plans to make direct contact with local companies via a network throughout the country, for example through partnerships with trade associations. Or as René Hüsler, Director of the Department of Computer Science at HSLU and founding member of ITSec4KMU, puts it: "ITSec4KMU approaches companies and uses workshops and information events to show them what can happen in the event of an attack. SMEs can achieve a lot in terms of cyber security with just a few simple initial steps - that's where we need to start."
IT service provider in focus
In the knowledge that many SMEs do not want to or cannot take care of cyber security themselves, ITSec4KMU places an additional focus on IT service providers. The register on the platform gives SMEs access to service providers in their area, enabling them to compare offers from different providers. IT service providers, in turn, can present their cyber security services to the target group. Expansion is also planned in this area, as Nicole Wettstein, Head of Tech Intelligence at SATW and Vice President of ITSec4KMU, explains: "Many SMEs are unable or unwilling to take care of IT and cyber security themselves. We support these companies by helping SMEs to find the most suitable service provider for them." (pd/rs)
