Secure .ch domains
Recently, Internet experts discussed the topics of surveillance, security and governance of the Internet at the "Domain pulse". With the secure .ch domains and a law for dealing with malware, Switzerland is taking on a model role, writes Switch.ch.
At the beginning of February 2016, the event "Domain pulse" over 200 Internet experts and opinion leaders in Lausanne. Security expert Mikko Hyppönen rates Internet surfing as the highest security risk. He praises Switzerland for its action against malware: "Switzerland is a country that has a law to take websites off the net that spread malware." That's very effective, he says. Hyppönen sees data as currency: "There are no free search engines or cloud storage. We pay for these services with our own data."
Also monitor WhatsApp & Skype
At the panel on surveillance on the Internet, the participants express their views on the tension between freedom and security. Excerpts from the discussion: Thomas Hansjakob, First Public Prosecutor of the Canton of St. Gallen, wants to be able to include new forms of communication such as Skype or WhatsApp in surveillance, while Walter Hediger, asut, would like to see a law that regulates exactly who has what obligations. Balthasar Glättli, National Councilor, Green Party Switzerland, clearly opposes data retention and calls for separate rules for law enforcement and intelligence services.
Safest domain
"In Europe, .ch and .li are the most secure domains," says Serge Droz, security expert at Switch. The domain abuse with malware on Swiss websites was decreased markedly and the number of phishing cases, in contrast to other domain endings, has not increased further. Decisive for the success is a worldwide unique process for malware and phishing in Switzerland as well as the cooperation of the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) with Switch, the registrars, hosters and the domain holders.
For Philippe Metzger and Stéphane Bondallaz from Bakom, it is clear: "If Switzerland is in it, .swiss belongs on it." Applications for .swiss domains would only be allocated if the applicant entered in the commercial register could demonstrate a sufficient connection to Switzerland.
Internet Governance
In a panel discussion, representatives of the Internet community present praised the collaboration between governments, the private sector and civil society. It has emerged as the most stable model for Internet governance, they said. However, national interests and legislations could lead to fragmentation of the Internet. However, the Internet community agrees that this must be prevented.
Press release on behalf of Switch
