Cyber security for all
Within just two years, the Swiss Cyber Security Days in Fribourg have become a kind of knowledge hub on the topic of online security. The need for more information and the demand for appropriate solutions are great and therefore bring together national and international specialists from administration, business, research, education and media.
The third edition of the Swiss Cyber Security Days (SCSD) will take place on 10 and 11 March 2021 - but this time not at Forum Fribourg, but in a purely virtual format. Nevertheless, the event will take place almost exactly like a normal live congress; with main stages and keynote speeches; with "best practice" presentations and trade exhibition. Only the coffee is made in your own kitchen.
The issue is significant; both for the state and individual companies as well as for private individuals. It is about the security of information technology and the protection of networks and computer systems from theft, damage or attempted disruption of all kinds. The US election of 2016, for example, and the corresponding discussions and disputes about interference by foreign powers have shown how relevant cyber security can become. And the topic of 5G is also irritating, because little is known about the technical background of the Chinese offer. It is therefore not surprising that the demand for education and training in the area of online security has increased. The University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, for example, offers a corresponding CAS course on cyber security, compliance and RegTech.
As for the third edition of the Swiss Cyber Security Days, exciting experts from all sectors have gathered around National Councillor Doris Fiala, President of the SCSD, and Béat Kunz, the founder and CEO. They represent authorities such as the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, companies such as Kudelski Security and the scientific community. Béat Kunz assesses this as follows: "Like no other national event, our platform connects Swiss experts with their international colleagues. And this closes a knowledge gap between technology and society for current and future solutions in cyber security."
Programme focus
The core topic and thus a highlight of the event will be discussions on "National Cyber Security". Virtually present will be the head of the Swiss Armed Forces, Corps Commander Thomas Süssli, the President of the EPF Lausanne, Martin Vetterli, and Florian Schütz, the Confederation's delegate for cyber security. Other panel topics include "Identity and Privacy", with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, speaking on this topic, as well as Artificial Intelligence, 5G, data protection and e-government. On the second day, 11 March, Béat Kunz will also be inviting participants to the national "SME Day", which will focus on the special needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in the area of cyber security.
"They, too, must be made aware of the issue, learn to protect themselves and, if necessary, trigger appropriate measures. We will also show concrete cases of attacks on Swiss companies and discuss their consequences." Sponsorship will also be offered almost like at a real congress. Companies can use trade fair-like communication tools, such as virtual stands, to generate contacts and leads. And, in doing so, become involved in the SCSD community more generally. Among the 2021 sponsors are well-known companies such as Six and Cisco.
SCSD 365
On the one hand, the pandemic is forcing the organizers to forego personal contacts for the moment, while on the other hand it is forcing the expansion of a virtual industry community. On the new online platform "SCSD 365", members can not only follow the actual congress, but also exchange information throughout the year. This digital platform and other breakout events are an integral part of the Swiss Cyber Security Days. For example, daytime specialist events are also being planned, one in Geneva in September and another in Zurich in November. Hopefully, these will again be live events - the details will then be published on the website.
"We want to serve our target audience throughout the year and thus build a sustainable platform that allows us to better understand online security and expand it accordingly," explains Béat Kunz. But the first priority is now the upcoming virtual congress, "We expect around 1500 trade visitors.
Interested persons can register for the two-day event via the website; a day ticket costs CHF 352 per person; students pay CHF 90 per congress day.
