14.05.2025 - At its meeting on 14 May the Federal Council took note of the first implementation report on the National Cyberstrategy (NCS). The report outlines the status of national efforts to strengthen cybersecurity. It was prepared by the NCS Steering Committee in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The report clearly shows that progress has been made: key coordination structures have been established, ongoing projects implemented and new ones launched, and Switzerland’s international profile in the field of cybersecurity has been raised.
With the NCS, the federal government is taking a comprehensive approach to strengthening Switzerland’s cyber resilience. The strategy is built around five strategic objectives: empowering the public, securing digital services and critical infrastructure, defending against and managing cyberattacks, combating cybercrime, and enhancing international cooperation. The NCS implementation report highlights the progress made so far. Ongoing projects have advanced in a targeted and coordinated way, and new initiatives have been launched across all five strategic objectives.
Tangible progress in NCS implementation
Awareness campaigns and the promotion of research and education have strengthened the cyber resilience of Switzerland’s population, businesses and public authorities. The 2024 S-U-P-E-R.ch campaign and Switzerland's participation in European Cybersecurity Month have helped to raise awareness of cybersecurity issues among the general public.
Protecting critical infrastructure from cyberthreats remains a key focus of the strategy. Progress has been made in implementing vulnerability management programmes, for example with the federal bug bounty programme, and in establishing specialised Cyber Security Centres (CSCs) in sensitive sectors, such as healthcare and rail transport. The establishment of the Cyber Security Hub (CSH) within the NCSC has also greatly enhanced the sharing of information about cyberthreats.
Over the past year, work has focused on introducing a reporting obligation for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, which came into effect on 1 April. It is the first cross-sector regulation in the field of cybersecurity.
In the fight against cybercrime, the NCS is supporting the development of specialised capabilities within law enforcement agencies, while also encouraging closer cooperation at national and international levels. Platforms such as Cyber-CASE and NEDIK help to speed up the detection and response to cybercrimes. Looking ahead, standardising data and processes, and the provision of targeted training should help to improve efficiency.
Switzerland is playing an active role in championing efforts to strengthen security in cyberspace internationally. Through initiatives such as Geneva Cyber Week, it is promoting International Geneva as a leading location for digital policy. At the same time, by participating in UN processes and the Counter Ransomware Initiative, Switzerland is supporting international efforts to establish binding rules in cyberspace.
NCS Steering Committee supporting implementation
The NCS was approved by the Federal Council and the cantonal governments (via the Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors) in April 2023. In line with the strategy, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport set up the NCS Steering Committee in June 2024. The Committee supports the implementation and development of the strategy, reporting annually to the Federal Council, the cantons, and the public on progress made.
Further information
