35th anniversary of Meet Swiss Infosec

Reto Zbinden laid the foundation stone for Swiss Infosec in 1989. In recent years, the company based in Sursee (LU) has developed into the leader in integral security in Switzerland. The unique combination of the security areas of technology, law, organization and people, which Swiss Infosec AG offers from a single source, has also contributed to this. 

35 years as an entrepreneur and consultant

In an interview with presenter Nicole Frank, Reto Zbinden looked back on the year 1989 and his feelings about founding a company at the age of 24. "Flexibility, courage, conviction and determination," said Reto Zbinden, "are the prerequisites that young entrepreneurs should have, then as now." He also emphasized the importance of a motivated and committed team, which is essential for further development. This team produced a short film in his honor. It shows Zbinden as a person who has breathed life into an idea, remains approachable and, even after 35 years, still says: "Totally ready for whatever comes next." 

The wild boys

When video and content creator Peter Bolliger talks about his path to self-employment, there are many reminders of the early days of Swiss Infosec and the qualities of its founder. Enthusiasm and the motto "Life is too short for later" are the guiding principles of the successful influencer with over 45,000 followers on Instagram. His refreshing, carefree appearance has not only earned the young entrepreneur a lot of sympathy, but has also shown that the challenges and requirements for a successful start have hardly changed. Not even for generations Y and Z.

From the Stone Age to the Internet and cyber attacks

What do the flood of information associated with digitalization and the infinite possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) do to people and their brains? Neuroscientist Prof. Dr. Lutz Jäncke from the University of Zurich got to the bottom of these questions in his presentation and said: "Even if digitalization and AI have undeniable advantages and opportunities and are a blessing in many areas, the human brain has not evolved for this new world." This is because no technological development in the entire history of mankind has spread in such a short space of time and changed everything profoundly.

Felix Guggenheim (Arctic Wolf) and Lukas Mäder (Editor Technology NZZ) dealt with changes of a different kind. Their fascinating presentation on the anatomy of a cyberattack and the hackers' million-dollar business made it clear how important it is not to underestimate the danger of cyberattacks such as ransomware and to focus on prevention. Although such attacks cannot be eradicated, their effects can at least be greatly reduced. 

AI can be used for the comprehensive security of data, as Roger Halbheer (Microsoft (Schweiz) AG) demonstrated in his presentation. Data-based security, i.e. the improved and, thanks to AI, automated use of security-specific data, can be an important step towards more effective security. 

Never stupid again or stupid forever

The program item raised expectations. And Anitra Eggler, digital therapist, easily fulfilled them. In an inimitable way, the woman who says of herself that she "loves and lives digital innovation without side effects" (website quote) revealed what she means by this and how you can learn to stay digitally fit without aching muscles. This digital fitness is a must in order to stand up to the negative effects of digitalization and AI and not run the risk of actually remaining stupid forever. This is a real possibility. Unless you know digital detox pioneer Anitra Eggler, who brings people and companies into screen-life balance.

The Swiss Infosec AG team brought the event to a worthy close with a cinematic performance in honor of Reto Zbinden, which was also the prelude to a social get-together. The next Meet Swiss Infosec is scheduled for 20 January 2025. Without cake, but certainly with exciting content from the world of security.

Source: www.infosec.ch