Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025: AI art, FBI, disinformation and child protection

On February 18 and 19, 2025, the Bernexpo site will host the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025 (SCSD) will take place. Over the course of two days, high-ranking national and international speakers on the two main stages will demonstrate how dominant technology is shaping the present and the future, and why a secure and sovereign cyberspace is of the utmost importance for Switzerland. The organizers are proud to complement the illustrious program with contributions from the Cyber Division of the FBI and two high-profile panels on the urgent topics of disinformation, radicalization and the protection of minors in the digital space.

The damage caused by cybercrime is enormous

We are still too little aware of the risks that threaten us in the digital space, said Nicolas Mayencourt, program manager of the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025, at a press conference. This is because the danger cannot be experienced physically. "The digital space cannot be felt like pain," said Mayencourt. What's more, our thinking remains linear, while developments in the digital space are exponential. "This overwhelms us, and security falls by the wayside." Nicolas Mayencourt was able to provide impressive figures on the extent of the impact of cybercrime: The amount of damage caused by cybercrime amounts to no less than 8 trillion (8000 billion) Swiss francs. In comparison, the financial damage caused by natural disasters seems equally small: CHF 400 billion. Moreover, if cybercrime were an economy, it would be in third place worldwide after the USA and China. Nicolas Mayencourt regrets that these sums are all the more astonishing when you consider that 90 percent of all damage could be avoided with the simplest protective measures and appealed for more cyber hygiene - comparable to brushing your teeth every day. 

New reporting office announced

Representing the police, Christian Brenzikofer, commander of the Bern cantonal police, gave his opinion. He also noted that the digital transformation has changed our lives and created new dangers. Cyber criminals can now penetrate deep into our private and professional lives and do not even stop at the authorities. "We at the cantonal police are also the target of cyber attacks on a daily basis," says Brenzikofer. This is why Kapo Bern has also set up its own ISO 27001-certified Security Operations Center (SOC). However, cybercrime knows no boundaries, which is why society and legislation are always lagging behind reality. This is why more and more specialists and cooperation are needed. "But the best defense is still prevention," says Christian Brenzikofer. He also announced the expansion of the platform as of March 1, 2025 cybercrimepolice.ch which is currently operated by the Zurich cantonal police. This will now be rolled out throughout Switzerland and also in French.

Interactive AI art "Made in Bern"

But the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025 will not just be about dangers and risks: In line with the motto "Eye of the Cyber - create tomorrow", the organizers are also focusing on the creative power of artificial intelligence and presenting it in an unconventional collaboration: technology and art are breaking new ground here. Together with the Museum of Communication, the Gibb vocational school in Bern and the two Bernese motion art artists Kaspar Kilchenmann and Yan Hirschbühl, the organizers will be presenting interactive AI art "Made in Bern" during both days.

"The collaboration is an exciting opportunity to bring the strengths of the Museum of Communication to bear in a new environment," says Nico Gurtner. He is responsible for communications at the Museum of Communication. Creative Director of the Bern agency "Efentwell" Kaspar Kilchenmann and motion designer Yan Hirschbühl will inspire the audience with visual worlds specially produced for the SCSD. The technical infrastructure will be provided by the Gibb Bern vocational school.

Leading exhibitors at the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025

With Axpo, Aveniq, Sophos, Amazon Web Services and numerous other national and international exhibitors, SCSD 2025 promises groundbreaking insights and solutions from the world of cyber security. The innovative approaches presented range from security awareness and human risk management to topics such as zero trust architecture, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced threat protection.

Around 20 promising start-ups will be presenting their innovative cyber security solutions in the Start-up Zone. Gibb HF Informatik will also be presenting itself as a strong educational partner. Visitors can take part in an exciting capture-the-flag (CTF) competition at their stand and experience live how theory can be put into practice. An excellent opportunity for leaders and cyber security experts to establish valuable collaborations for the digital future.

Networking on a new level - Hornetsecurity takes networking at the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025 to a new level. On Tuesday evening, the networking party sponsored by Hornetsecurity awaits you, the perfect place to make valuable contacts.

Renowned speakers - diverse topics

Program director Nicolas Mayencourt has once again succeeded in bringing a few well-known speakers to the stage. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will be the guest speaker. KKdt Thomas Süssli will report on the military security situation, while Severin Schwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche, will discuss the topic of cyber in the pharmaceutical industry. International guests are also expected: Lino Santos, Head of National Cybersecurity Center Portugal, and Todd Hemmen from the FBI will each be able to provide a global perspective on the topic of cyber security. 

It also looks to the near future: Quantum technology will soon be able to crack conventional encryption thanks to its enormous computing power. New encryption technologies must therefore be quantum secure. It is encouraging that Switzerland in particular is at the forefront of post-quantum cryptography and has actively contributed to the development of two new standards. 

"The renowned exhibitors and the prestigious program make SCSD 2025 a central meeting point for the industry and attract great interest," says Tom Winter, CEO of Bernexpo AG. "The ticket sales to date prove this. With the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025, we are building on last year's success".

Source: www.scsd.ch