The Crucial Importance of Cybersecurity for Large (and Medium and Small) Companies
In Switzerland, companies of all sizes are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue: it has become a strategic pillar to protect sensitive data, ensure business continuity, and safeguard the company’s reputation.
The number of cyberattacks recorded in Europe has risen sharply in recent years, affecting both SMEs and large organisations. Every security flaw can result in data theft, data breaches, financial losses, or penalties related to regulatory non-compliance. Companies must anticipate the exploitation of vulnerabilities in their systems, including applications and office environments, to reduce risks. For large Swiss companies, investing in robust security solutions, training, and prevention has become essential. Digital transformation must be accompanied by a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, integrating risk management, employee awareness, and continuous system maintenance. It is also crucial to document best practices and centralise security information for effective monitoring.
1. Underestimating Risks and Lacking a Strategy
One of the most frequent cybersecurity mistakes is failing to properly assess cyber risks. Some companies still believe that cyberattacks do not concern them, or that simple antivirus protection is sufficient.
Without a clear strategy, it becomes impossible to prioritise the measures to implement or to respond effectively in the event of a security incident. A comprehensive plan should cover:
- vulnerability assessment
- identification of critical assets
- definition of appropriate protocols
Effective governance strengthens system security, ensures the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of data, and minimises the risk of exploiting business applications. These measures also help allocate resources more efficiently across each critical part of the IT system.
The Strategic Role of the CISO
To ensure the success of a cybersecurity strategy, the presence of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is essential. The CISO should not be limited to an operational or IT project management role: they hold a strategic position.
Ideally, the CISO reports directly to the CEO and regularly participates in board meetings. This position provides clear visibility of information security risks, allows the defence of cybersecurity priorities, and ensures decisions align with overall business objectives.
Placing the CISO away from the board or in a purely technical hierarchy reduces their effectiveness and can create gaps in security governance. A strategically involved CISO ensures that cybersecurity is not just a technical project but a core element of risk management and business continuity.
2. Neglecting Employee Training and Awareness
Employees are the most vulnerable link to cyber threats. Without regular training, they remain exposed to phishing, weak passwords, or careless sharing of sensitive information.
In Switzerland, where privacy and data protection laws are strict, raising awareness among teams is essential. This includes:
- interactive training sessions
- clear documentation
- frequent reminders of security best practices
- Creating a team of “Security Ambassadors,” composed of employees from all areas of the organisation with a particular interest in cybersecurity, is also recommended.
A culture of prevention should be embedded in daily activities, including web browsing in the office and remote work. Security ambassadors play a key role in promoting good practices to their colleagues, gathering feedback from the field, and creating a strong community around information security. Applications must be properly configured to reduce security incidents caused by human error. Additionally, monitoring logs and system information is essential to detect any exploitation attempts.
3. Lack of an Incident Response Plan
Many companies focus on protection but neglect response. Yet, when an attack occurs, the speed of action determines the extent of the impact.
An effective response plan should include:
- a clear detection and alert process
- mobilisation of the necessary resources
- restoration of critical systems
- internal and external communication (notifying partners, authorities, clients)
In Switzerland, having such a plan is essential to meet notification obligations in case of data breaches or theft. It also helps secure critical applications and prevents parts of the system from being compromised.
Testing the incident response plan through crisis management exercises familiarises the response team with the procedures, collects feedback for improvement, and builds confidence in their role during a real incident.
4. Poor Access and Identity Management
Access management is often an underestimated pillar. Inactive accounts or overly broad access rights represent major security vulnerabilities.
Best practices include:
- implementing multi-factor authentication
- regularly reviewing access rights
- segmenting critical systems
These measures reduce the risk of employees or third parties inadvertently becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks, ensuring the security of applications, office systems, and all sensitive data. They also allow monitoring potential exploitation across each part of the network and systems.
5. Ignoring Updates and Maintenance
Outdated software is an ideal entry point for hackers. Failing to apply security updates exposes the company to avoidable cyberattacks.
Regular system maintenance ensures:
- rapid correction of vulnerabilities
- compatibility with new technologies
- long-term protection against security incidents
Large companies should implement automated update processes to avoid any negligence. A solid strategy also includes monitoring office applications and tools to prevent exploitation by malicious actors. Complete documentation of applied updates and patches maintains an accurate history for each part of the system.
How to Avoid These Pitfalls with SPIE Expertise
To reduce their exposure to cyber threats, Swiss companies can rely on SPIE’s expertise.
SPIE offers a comprehensive approach covering:
- risk assessment and identification of security gaps
- integration of effective security solutions
- employee training and awareness
- creation of security incident response plans
- support in digital transformation
By strengthening their cybersecurity posture, companies ensure business continuity, protect sensitive data, and maintain the trust of clients and partners. All applications and systems are secured, ensuring that every critical part of the company is protected against exploitation or threats.