Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- BACS warns of growing threat to SMEs.
The Federal Office for Cyber Security (BACS, formerly NCSC) is observing a significant increase in targeted attacks on Swiss SMEs – particularly via phishing, ransomware and social engineering. - AI presents both risks and opportunities.
Attackers use artificial intelligence to perfect phishing emails, deepfakes, and automated attacks. At the same time, AI can help companies detect threats earlier and react more quickly. - Many SMEs are insufficiently prepared.
Studies by digitalswitzerland show that cybersecurity is losing priority for Swiss SMEs – despite the unchanged threat landscape. A lack of updates, unclear responsibilities, and insufficient training are the main problems. - Managed IT Security provides relief.
With an experienced IT outsourcing service provider like Dinotronic , SMEs can professionally secure their security infrastructure without having to build their own specialist departments. - A holistic approach is crucial.
Successful cyber resilience combines organizational, technical and human measures – from awareness raising to AI-supported monitoring and backup strategies. - Security is a continuous process.
Cyber protection is not a one-time investment, but an ongoing improvement process. Regular assessments and audits keep protective measures up to date. - Cybersecurity is becoming a competitive advantage.
Companies that professionally secure their IT gain the trust of customers, partners and employees – and thus strengthen their digital future viability.
Why is cybersecurity more important than ever, especially for SMEs?
Cybersecurity has always been a key issue, but in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the playing field is changing rapidly. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland, the threat landscape has never been so complex, yet at the same time, the options for effective protection have never been so diverse.
The Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS, formerly NCSC) regularly warns of targeted attacks on SMEs. Cybercriminals know that while many smaller companies are digitally networked, they often lack the same security resources as large corporations. Phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks have long been commonplace – and AI tools are making these attacks more efficient, precise, and harder to detect.
The Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS, formerly NCSC) regularly warns of targeted attacks on SMEs. Cybercriminals know that while many smaller companies are digitally networked, they often lack the same security resources as large corporations. Phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks have long been commonplace – and AI tools are making these attacks more efficient, precise, and harder to detect.
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How does AI change the threat landscape?
Artificial intelligence is used by attackers as well as defenders. AI can automatically find security vulnerabilities, generate deepfake voices in fraudulent calls, or create deceptively realistic emails. For cybercriminals, this significantly lowers the barrier to entry.
At the same time, AI also offers opportunities for defense: Modern managed IT security solutions rely on AI-supported monitoring to detect attacks in real time. Systems analyze countless data points—such as login patterns, network traffic, or file access—and automatically report suspicious activity.
For SMEs, this means: Those who invest in intelligent security solutions today can work with the same technologies used by large corporations. Those who don't risk being overwhelmed by AI-powered attacks.
How well prepared are Swiss SMEs?
According to a recent study by digitalswitzerland, the priority given to cybersecurity by Swiss SMEs is declining despite the persistently high threat level. Many companies underestimate the risk or postpone investments in favor of short-term projects.
The BACS also notes that numerous security incidents in Switzerland can be traced back to preventable causes: missing updates, inadequate password policies, or unsecured remote access. Only a few SMEs have a structured emergency plan or conduct regular security assessments.
These figures are alarming, because cyberattacks on SMEs have serious consequences: business interruptions, data loss, loss of customer trust and expensive recovery work.
Which protective measures are crucial today?
A sustainable cyber strategy for SMEs comprises three levels: organization, technology, and partner network.
- Organization, awareness, and responsibility create
cybersecurity, not just in IT, but in mind. Every employee can be the target of an attack. Training on phishing, password management, and secure data handling is crucial. Equally important is defining clear responsibilities: Who responds in an emergency? Who decides on external communication? - Implementing basic security measures consistently:
SMEs should ensure that fundamental measures are fully implemented:
- Up-to-date software and operating systems
- Strong authentication (e.g., MFA)
- Encryption of sensitive data
- Daily, verified backups
- Endpoint protection with AI-supported anomaly detection - Partnering with an IT outsourcing provider where it makes sense:
SMEs in particular benefit from an experienced IT outsourcing service provider with specialized security expertise. An IT partner for SMEs like Dinotronic offers managed security services that include 24/7 monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response.
This allows companies to concentrate on their core business – with the assurance that their IT infrastructure is professionally protected.
How can cybersecurity be strategically built?
Many SMEs know they need to take action, but don't know where to start. A structured, five-step approach can help:
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Analysis: Assess the current state. Which systems, data, and processes are critical?
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Prioritization: Weigh risks and plan measures – e.g. according to the BACS recommendations for SMEs.
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Implementation: Closing security gaps, setting up backups, adjusting access rights.
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Monitoring: Ongoing control through monitoring and regular reports.
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Optimization: Utilize lessons learned from incidents, continuously improve processes.
This cycle ensures that cybersecurity remains not a project, but an ongoing process, adapted to new technologies such as AI.
Why act now?
A cyber incident can affect any company – regardless of size or industry. Damages can range from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs. Even more serious is often the loss of reputation: customers lose trust when their data is compromised.
Cybersecurity is therefore not just a protective measure, but also a competitive advantage . A secure digital foundation strengthens digital transformation and signals professionalism. Companies that invest in IT security today will be more resilient and attractive to customers, partners, and employees tomorrow.
Why are SMEs particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks?
Because they often have fewer resources for security and use standard solutions that attackers can easily see through.
What role does AI play in cybersecurity?
AI strengthens both the attack and defense sides – the crucial point is that SMEs use it specifically for monitoring and analysis.
What are the most common mistakes made by SMEs regarding IT security?
Unpatched systems, weak passwords, missing backups and no clear emergency plan.
How can an IT outsourcing service provider help?
Through continuous monitoring, expert knowledge and automated security processes, services that are often not feasible internally.
What are the specific benefits of a security assessment?
It identifies weaknesses, prioritizes risks, and provides a concrete roadmap for measures – individually tailored to the company.
How do SMEs benefit from managed IT security in the long term?
You receive reliable protection, remain compliant and can fully concentrate on your core business – with confidence in a secure digital future.
