A Swisscom analysis reveals AI and global interdependence are making intrusions harder to detect and more damaging, raising urgent questions about software provenance and operational risks.
One of the main cyber threats remains state-initiated cyberattacks, and artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for rising risks in Switzerland’s digital environment.
According to Swissinfo, Swisscom released on Monday a report documenting a substantial intensification of cyber threats in the country over the past year.
According to a new Swisscom study presented on Monday, artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitical tensions, and global interdependence have made attacks more complex and harder to control.
The provider named the main risks: state-initiated cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, disinformation, and attacks on software supply chains. They also emphasize that digital transformation increases dependence on cloud platforms, external code, AI models, and networking technologies.
“Those who do not know how software is created, where data is processed, or under what legal frameworks suppliers operate, risk losing control, which could have serious consequences for the entire company.”
– Swisscom’s press office
Key findings and risks
The study also notes that AI acts as a catalyst for risks: despite potential impacts on productivity, the lack of proper controls intensifies threats.
There is also mention of opaque AI usage models in day-to-day work and a growing need to defend against attacks using AI technologies.
In Switzerland, attention to the security of industrial facilities, energy supply, and medical technologies is increasing; the growing interconnection between IT and OT raises the risk of physical consequences in the event of a breach.
Swisscom experts warn about eroding trust in suppliers and systems: companies should ensure transparency of provenance, integrity, and interdependencies of software and data, and actively manage them.
Cybersecurity is becoming not only a technical task but a strategic factor that supports resilience, trust, and digital sovereignty, according to Swisscom.
According to Swisscom, in January of last year Russian hackers attacked the canton of Schaffhausen and the cities of Geneva and Sierre during the World Economic Forum in Davos, paralyzing their websites.
In conclusion, analysts emphasize the need to strengthen cyber defense across all sectors – from government bodies to private business – in light of the growing interdependence of digital systems and critical infrastructure, to reduce risks for the public and the economy.