Cybercrime Threatens Switzerland's Competitiveness
More than half of Swiss companies have already been affected by AI-based cyberattacks. This is according to the new Digital Future Monitor 2026 from DXC Technology. The majority of respondents plan to increase their spending on IT security and data protection by 2029.
Cybersecurity is a key area of investment for Swiss companies. Fifty-three percent of the companies surveyed report having already been affected by AI-based cyberattacks. At the same time, 54 percent plan to invest «more» or «much more» in IT security and data protection. These are key findings from DXC Technology’s Digital Future Monitor 2026, for which a total of 100 executives and specialists in Switzerland were surveyed in March 2026.
Cyber Defense and AI Are on Par in Terms of Investment Plans
«Cyberattacks by state-sponsored actors and traditional hacker groups are a major challenge for companies in Switzerland when it comes to their competitiveness. Across all industries, 54 percent of companies plan to invest »more« or »much more’ in cybersecurity and data protection,” says Dr. Bruno Messmer, General Manager of DXC Technology Switzerland. He adds: “This puts cybersecurity investments neck and neck with the expansion of AI in IT departments, which 50 percent of decision-makers cite as an area for increased investment by 2029. However, the group of companies that want to invest even ‘much more’ in cybersecurity and data protection—is nearly twice as large as the group of companies that want to spend “much more” on AI in their IT departments or in product development—with 27 percent support compared to just 14 percent.”
State of Cyber Defense 2026
Compared to the survey results from 2024, data security at companies has improved in some areas by 2026: 57 percent of companies now use AI themselves to fend off cyberattacks—up from 50 percent in 2024. However, corporate leadership is treading water when it comes to mandatory cyber defense measures: Currently, 36 percent of companies do not offer their employees regular IT security training, which makes it significantly easier for criminals to hack employees at their workplaces. In 2024, this figure was still at 25 percent. At 26 percent, just over one in four companies has not developed an emergency plan for cyberattacks—compared to 31 percent in 2024. Additionally, 31 percent of companies lack a security situational overview to stay informed about current cyber risks at all times.
Cybersecurity Through 2029
«Swiss companies would be well advised to pay the utmost attention to the risks posed by powerful AI models,» says Dr. Bruno Messmer. «The IT vulnerabilities that have recently come to light provide reason to subject their own systems to the most rigorous testing and to ensure the highest level of protection.»
As the survey shows, the Swiss business community has fundamentally recognized the key role that cybersecurity plays in its own future strategies: 91 percent of companies plan to invest the same amount, more, or significantly more in cybersecurity and data protection. At the same time, around 70 percent cite cyberattacks as a major challenge to their competitiveness—ranking among the top concerns alongside cost pressures and bureaucracy.
The Digital Future Monitor 2026 was conducted in March 2026 in Switzerland (N=100), Austria (N=100), and Germany (N=100). A total of 300 executives and specialists who make decisions regarding their companies’ digital transformation were surveyed. The survey was conducted online by a market research firm using expert panels.
Source: dxc.com
This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/cyber-kriminalitaet-bedroht-schweizer-wettbewerbsfaehigkeit/
