What a roller coaster ride: In the past eight months, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil initially almost doubled from around 70 to more than 130 U.S. dollars, only to drop again by 20 percent. The price is now around 120 U.S. dollars, but continues to fluctuate noticeably. This should not come as too much of a surprise. After all, the oil price is currently not only an expression of supply and demand, but also a plaything of geopolitical developments, driven by the war in Ukraine. It is caught between the high demand for energy and the declared desire to accelerate the move away from fossil fuels in order to limit climate change.

Commodity prices: Ukraine war causes crude oil prices in particular to rise

A look back: The coronavirus pandemic led to a significant drop in demand for crude oil and refined oil products worldwide. People drove fewer cars and flew less often or no longer went on vacation. The mood in the industry was also subdued and energy demand was therefore significantly reduced. In order to keep prices stable, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reacted and countered the low demand with low supply. It cut production. When the pandemic slowly receded into the background and demand rose again, but production initially remained the same, the oil price began to soar. Inventories emptied. Then the war in Ukraine began and the oil price literally went through the roof. In addition to the already increased demand, there was uncertainty in the face of impending supply stops and possible embargoes against the backdrop of empty stocks. In addition, the oil industry has not invested for a very long time against the backdrop of the sustainable transformation of the economy. Renewable energies are set to replace oil and gas in the long term. So why spend a lot of money to develop a new oil field? The result: production capacity can no longer be ramped up without further ado. This has put the oil companies in a comfortable situation. Costs are low because little has been invested, but cash flows are immense thanks to strong demand and high prices. No wonder that shares in oil companies have performed very well in recent months. Nevertheless, the events in Ukraine and the consequences for the global market have made it clear that we are not yet ready for the oil phase-out. Shifts on the supply side could result in a significant price reaction. However, at least with regard to crude oil, it can be stated that the situation has calmed down somewhat. The release of strategic reserves by the USA, for example, has eased the market, OPEC has adjusted production upwards again and Russian oil is finding alternative routes back onto the world market. Instead of flowing westwards as before, it is now flowing eastwards to Asian customers such as China and India. They are buying the oil at a considerable discount of around 35 US dollars per barrel. Basically, the supply situation is intact. Against this backdrop, the question arises: why is the consumer feeling so little of the improved supply? The answer is indeed difficult. This is because the price of refined products has actually decoupled somewhat from the development of the oil price. The high costs at the pump are not least due to the fact that Russia is not only a major oil exporter, but also sells many oil products abroad. In addition to the 2.7 million barrels of crude oil that Russia exports to the EU, there are also 2.3 million barrels of refined products, such as diesel or gasoline. And these products cannot be easily replaced because they are usually refined as close as possible to the end consumer. As some refineries are also out of action due to the war, the remaining sites are operating at full capacity and margins have climbed to record levels. For this reason, the reduction in the mineral oil tax will only help to ease the burden on consumers with a delay, if at all.

Vacation season additionally increases demand

The problem is that the situation is unlikely to improve much in the coming weeks. Millions of Europeans are looking forward to their summer vacation, for many it will be the first real time off after the coronavirus years - and hardly anyone will want to miss it, not even for cost reasons. In addition, China is increasingly easing its coronavirus measures, which means that more oil is likely to be needed in China again. This means increased demand, which is coming up against low stocks, tight refinery capacities and limited supply. And because upstream products are also affected by demand, the oil price should also remain at a high level in the coming months. The good news is that the situation should gradually ease from late summer onwards. This is because two effects are to be expected: supply is constantly increasing, as both OPEC and the USA are expanding their production. At the same time, the expensive price of fuel will hit consumers' wallets, especially as measures such as the fuel rebate in Germany will no longer apply. This means that demand is slowly declining. The whole thing is happening at a time when, for seasonal reasons, less oil is needed anyway than in the height of summer, for example - especially as many people are likely to fill their oil tanks earlier than usual this year for fear of supply shortages. The bottom line is that the price of oil should gradually fall. A barrel of Brent crude should cost around USD 95 by the end of 2022. In twelve months, the price could then be USD 80 - provided we do not see any further escalation in the Ukraine war, for example through the involvement of other warring parties, or a sharp rise in demand from China.

Gas price remains permanently at higher level

Unlike oil, we will have to get used to structurally higher prices for gas. Until now, Europeans have been in the comfortable situation of being supplied with cheap pipeline gas from Russia. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed everything. The risk of Europe's enormous dependence on Russia came to light and the issue of energy security moved to the top of the agenda for politicians, companies and private households. On the one hand, Russia could stop gas supplies at any time, plunging Europe's economy into a deep recession. On the other hand, gas exports are an important source of revenue for Russia, which is also used to finance its war of aggression. Until February, some countries had not seen the dependence as a problem. Now, however, there is acute pressure to act. One key: The large-scale - and in any case urgently needed in the fight against climate change - energy turnaround, which is becoming even more important as a result of current developments.

Until a nationwide and sufficient supply of green energy is within reach, Europeans will have to obtain their gas on the world market in the form of liquid gas. In doing so, they are competing with Asian countries. This is clearly noticeable: The price of gas has quadrupled year-on-year. Until now, gas in Europe was usually somewhat cheaper than in Asia. These times are likely to be over. In short, Europe has to pay a higher price than the Asian countries in order to be supplied with gas. It is also true that the Asian countries are likely to generate their electricity by burning coal if the demand from Europe means that gas is no longer affordable for them. This is unlikely to be alleviated quickly. It is likely to be several years before new sources, for example in Qatar, are tapped. The construction of new plants and the development of new gas fields is also hampered by the political will for an energy transition and a move away from fossil fuels. With regard to gas in particular, we therefore need to grit our teeth and press ahead with the expansion of renewable energies in order to at least reduce the price by lowering demand. Source: www.union-investment.de

Solidarity agreement for gas between Germany and Switzerland

Rising commodity prices are preoccupying politicians on many fronts. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, for example, Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Simonetta Sommaruga met with German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck. They decided to conclude a solidarity agreement on gas supply in crises. The aim of this agreement is "that we can support each other in an emergency", explained Federal Councillor Sommaruga. Nothing has been signed yet. Sommaruga went on to explain that it was impossible to know how long it would take to reach the solidarity agreement. But the will for a pragmatic solution is there. Switzerland is currently around 40 percent dependent on Russian gas for its households, particularly through supplies from Germany. The Federal Council also confirmed that it wanted to build up alternative reserves in countries such as France, Germany and the Netherlands. Germany, which is highly dependent on Russian gas, has just signed a partnership with Qatar. Part of this package provides for the purchase of liquefied natural gas. "Swiss companies can apply to be involved in this," Habeck said at the WEF. (red./SDA, Swissinfo)

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/rohstoffpreise-einschaetzungen-fuer-die-naechsten-12-monate/

Design corporate communications and PR Methods for strategic planning, control and evaluation.

• Author: Nanette Aimée Besson
• Publisher: utb GmbH, 2021
• Pages: 291
• ISBN: 97838255480

Changes in companies must be carefully planned and communicated - regardless of whether they involve restructuring or a new product. In her book, Nanette Aimée Besson presents the most important instruments of corporate communication - from briefing, research and conception to presentation and evaluation. In addition to classic methods, she also looks at newer techniques and trends. A scientifically sound and at the same time pleasingly practice-oriented handbook for all those involved in PR and marketing. Practice Guide for Artificial Intelligence in Marketing and Sales Examples, concepts and use cases.

• Author: Laurenz Wuttke
• Publisher: Springer Gabler, 2021
• Pages: 244
• ISBN: 9783658356255

AI-based marketing makes it possible to address customers in a personalized way and to use advertising in a highly targeted manner. In his book, Laurenz Wuttke explains in detail what is possible with AI in marketing. One example among many is the calculation of purchase probabilities. The author goes into great detail about the technological background and how it works. In comparison, he sketches the practical benefits rather roughly. However, some practical examples help to remedy the situation. Overall, this is a book that offers a good insight into the potential of AI in marketing and sales. AQ Why adaptability is the most important future competence.

• Author: Carl Naughton
• Publisher: GABAL, 2022
• Pages: 212
• ISBN: 9783967390964

In our rapidly changing world of work, adaptability is a key skill. It's even more important than a high IQ or emotional intelligence, says Carl Naughton. He shows how you can become more adaptable - that is, more flexible, creative and innovative. His tips are not entirely new, but he backs them up with numerous studies and anecdotes from everyday work. The emphatically relaxed style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but some valuable advice can still be drawn from the book. Empowered How companies motivate every employee to achieve exceptional results.

• Author: Marty Cagan and Chris Jones
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH, 2022
• Pages: 376
• ISBN: 9783527510870

What is the secret of success for outstanding companies? For Marty Cagan and Chris Jones, there is no doubt: strong product managers and product teams that act on their own responsibility make the difference. They explain in detail and with passion why freedom and real responsibility are essential for the development of really good products. In doing so, they make one thing unmistakably clear: much more important than individual top performers are general enthusiasm, openness and trusting cooperation.

Suva posted a positive operating result of CHF 331 million for the past financial year. All insurance branches are financially in balance, as was announced on June 10, 2022, at the annual media conference. The good result also ensures low premiums for Suva policyholders in 2023.

Reimbursements of excess investment income

As already communicated at the beginning of March, Suva was able to achieve a good investment result for 2021 due to positive stock market developments. The investment performance reached 7.5 percent. The largest contribution came from investments in equities and private equity as well as real estate and real estate funds.

Due to the upper limit of the solvency ratio of 180 percent set by the Suva Council, excess investment income was segregated. The Suva Council subsequently decided to use CHF 824 million of this for the benefit of insured persons. In occupational accident insurance (OI) and non-occupational accident insurance (NIA), this corresponds to a refund of 20 percent of the net premiums for all insured persons. The Suva Council will decide on the use of the remaining withdrawn surpluses in subsequent years, depending on the financial situation. Suva's assets are fully earmarked. They cover Suva's obligations for around 80,000 current pensions as well as future medical expenses and daily allowances and other insurance benefits from accidents and occupational diseases that have already occurred.

Registered accidents increased

In 2021, Suva registered a total of around 450,000 accidents and occupational illnesses (previous year: 430,000). This is more than in the first corona year 2020, but still significantly less than in 2019 before the pandemic. The increase was greater for occupational accidents than for recreational accidents. The reason for this is that many sporting activities were severely restricted during the first five months of 2021.

The number of new disability pensions continues to decline, with 1092 cases (previous year: 1141). According to Suva, this development is due to the fact that workplaces have generally become safer and prevention has reduced the number of accidents resulting in IV pensions. Due to the lower number of new disability pensions, provisions could be released in 2021. This contributes significantly to the positive annual result in 2021.

Continued low premiums in the coming year

Thanks to the favorable risk development and the reimbursement of surpluses from previous years, the average net premium rates in occupational accident insurance decrease significantly. In non-occupational accident insurance, average net premium rates are falling slightly due to the favorable risk development. Depending on the claims experience, however, there are different developments in the individual risk classes, according to the insurer. With the additional reimbursement of excess investment income amounting to 20 percent of net premiums in occupational and non-occupational accident insurance for all Suva insured companies, there will again be low premiums in both BUV and NBUV in 2023.

avance" strategy on track

Suva also announced that it is on track with its "avance" strategy. With the expansion of digitalization in claims management with the "smartCare" program, Suva has reached another milestone. The year 2021 was marked by preparations for the changeover. Starting in 2022, rules and regulations will take over the entire case management process. Specialists will be deployed for complex tasks or for personal support of companies and accident victims.

With the "Structuro" project, Suva has adapted its structures and processes to the changed requirements in claims management and in customer and partner support as of the beginning of 2022. In addition to the 18 existing agency locations, which will now be grouped into seven regions, Suva has created four regional competence centers for claims handling.

Prevention program 2020+

With the "Prevention Program 2020+", prevention work will be sustainably focused on the time horizon 2020 - 2030. Suva will continue to carry out risk- and impact-oriented prevention work and support companies on their way from a culture of rules to a culture of prevention, in which the vital rules become an integral part of daily work. In this way, Suva wants to work together with the insured companies to prevent even more accidents and occupational illnesses in the future.

Source: Suva

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/suva-verkuendet-erneut-tiefe-praemien-fuer-2023/

The international technology and services company Bosch increased its sales in the Swiss market to 745 million Swiss francs in fiscal 2021. This corresponds to growth of around 11.5 percent compared with the previous year. Total net sales including internal deliveries to subsidiaries amounted to 1.65 billion Swiss francs. The company, which has been selling its products in Switzerland since 1904, employs around 2,000 people in this country. "The positive result reflects the good performance of our various business units and the efforts of our associates to take advantage of opportunities in an unfavorable global environment," said Ute Lepple, representative of the Bosch Group in Switzerland.

Integration of acquired companies

Ute Lepple was particularly pleased about the growth resulting from the acquisition of Elpro Group AG in Buchs, as well as the change of name of Buderus Heiztechnik AG to Bosch Thermotechnik AG. With both activities, the company is strengthening the presence of the Bosch brand in Switzerland. "2022 will be another challenging year. We are off to a good start and will do everything we can to grow faster than the market in the important sectors," says Ute Lepple.

Sales development by business sector

In the Mobility Solutions business sector, Bosch again recorded significant growth in the Automotive Aftermarket business unit and in drive and ride assistance systems for eBikes in Switzerland in 2021, according to the annual report. The Consumer Goods business sector once again increased its sales compared with the already strong previous year. Despite the pandemic and economic challenges, the Industrial Technology business sector also succeeded in increasing sales, supplying customers reliably and further raising satisfaction levels. In the Energy and Building Technology business sector, the Thermotechnology division recorded solid growth. Sales in the key heat pump submarket were particularly pleasing, with significant gains in market share.

New CO2-neutral headquarters of Bosch Switzerland

In March 2022, Bosch Switzerland started the construction of a new administration building at its site in Zuchwil (SO). With an investment sum of 45 million Swiss francs, the construction project is one of the company's most important investments during the last few years in Switzerland. By 2024, a CO2-neutral four-story building with a wooden construction will be built on an area of 14,900 m2. The building is planned both as the headquarters for Bosch Switzerland and for the headquarters of the globally active Bosch Power Tools Accessories product division, Scintilla AG.

Bosch Group: Outlook 2022 and strategic course

The company as a whole achieved significant increases in sales and earnings in 2021 despite difficult underlying conditions. In the first quarter of 2022, sales of the technology and services company grew by 5.2 percent. For the year as a whole, Bosch anticipates an increase in sales of more than 6 percent and an EBIT margin in the three to four percent corridor - although the company expects considerable burdens, particularly from cost increases for energy, materials, and logistics. "The successful fiscal year 2021 gives us confidence that we can also master the challenging environment of the current year," said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. Among the significant uncertainties is the war in Ukraine with all its implications. According to Hartung, the current situation highlights the pressure on politicians and society to act, to become less dependent on fossil fuels and to vigorously pursue the development of new energies. For this reason, he said, the Bosch Group is systematically continuing its efforts to protect the climate, despite the challenging economic environment. To this end, Hartung announced investments in climate-neutral technology such as electrification and hydrogen amounting to a good three billion euros over three years. Source and further information

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/bosch-baut-aktivitaeten-in-der-schweiz-aus/

Twenty small apartments are being created in Zurich's Kreis 5 through the renovation of an old building, which, despite their compactness, are intended to offer a high level of comfort for individuals. Urban, young individualists who want to live in the direct vicinity of the urban nightlife district in Zurich and who attach as much importance to lifestyle as to architecture and location are to be addressed, especially in the immediate vicinity of the property. With the name Luisa Zurich, a traditional and today again popular first name was taken as a hook. It is to form the common thread for the modern interplay between old and new. The specially created lettering forms a trendy pattern that is used as a graphic background. The youthful, reduced language with the claim "The minimal maximum" is intended to be cheeky and fresh, as are the black-and-white images of the potential residents.

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Client: Nova Property Fund Management. Marketing: Cavegn Real Estate. Responsible agency: Felix Partner Design. Concept, text, design, photography, programming: Rahel M. Felix, Daniel Matter (Headlines), Benjamin Rauber.

On Thursday, the Council approved a corresponding motion from its Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation (WAK-N) by 98 votes to 61 with 22 abstentions. The picture on the electronic voting board was exceptionally colorful and not very compact. There were votes in favor, against and abstentions from practically all parliamentary groups. The matter will go to the Council of States. The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) currently supports the promotion of Swiss wine with CHF 2.8 million annually. In the coronavirus years 2020 and 2021, it spent an additional CHF 1 million as emergency aid for specific projects in the catering sector and among major distributors. However, the FOAG wants to reduce this additional emergency aid by CHF 200,000 for the current year and cancel it completely from 2023.

High marketing pressure from Italy

Commission spokesman Markus Ritter (center/SG) justified the demand for a significant increase in the federal contribution to nine million francs per year with the great marketing pressure from abroad, especially from Italy. The southern neighboring country is spending CHF 18 million on marketing the Swiss market. A level playing field is therefore needed for Swiss wines. The entire value chain in Switzerland is prepared to provide the necessary funds for half of the co-financing. A total of CHF 18 million would then be available to market Swiss wine to the public. This is also important because there is practically no longer any border protection for Swiss wine, said Ritter. Olivier Feller (FDP/VD) added that the increase in marketing contributions was also completely justifiable from a regulatory point of view. It was not a direct subsidy for winegrowers. According to the Federal Council and the committee minority, accepting the motion would lead to unequal treatment of the wine industry compared to other agricultural sectors. This would create a disproportion to the economic importance of wine in comparison to other agricultural products, said Economics Minister Guy Parmelin.

Lack of overall view

Kathrin Bertschy (GLP/BE) asked in vain on behalf of the committee minority that the federal budget be handled responsibly. After all, the motion would triple sales promotion. No other sector enjoys such a high level of marketing promotion. This could awaken further desires. It would be better to finally have a serious discussion about agricultural policy as a whole and make it sustainable. In addition, the linking of sales promotion with sustainability and quality criteria, as called for in the motion, would make the business even more complex, which would make it more difficult to implement in practice, the Federal Council stated in its written response to the motion. There is currently no general sustainability standard either in viticulture or for the entire food chain in the wine industry. (SDA)

The streaming giant Netflix has made it to our country's main tables and parlors with the voting campaign for May 15, 2022. But that's not all, because it is also reshaping the meaning of a somewhat retro-looking word in German-speaking countries: Spoiler. In the 1980s, when the casuals in white socks and wide-open shirts let their elbows hang out of the window and took a leisurely drag on their Muratti cigarettes as they drove through the city center, there was usually a spoiler on the back of the car. The bigger, the cooler. The successors of this type of man - today called car posers - focus more on horsepower and engine decibels than on aerodynamics. Yet in the German-speaking world, this was precisely the only interpretation of the word spoiler. Derived from the English to spoil For a long time it was simply called Reduce air resistancebut actually completely translated also spoil or ruin. But what used to be known to car enthusiasts as a sheet metal or plastic part on vehicles that favorably influenced aerodynamic conditions and was laughed at in car-critical cities is now the talk of the town.

The small subtle difference

In urban lifestyle talk, it's an art in itself to be one of the people who follow the right one in the universe of Netflix series. But to pass this on in a condensed form without giving away the essentials is already a high art of storytelling. Or just not a spoiler. The dictionary has recently started to affectionately call the new interpretation "jargon for the summary of a film, book or the like, which spoils the reader's or viewer's interest in the story by giving away information from the plot that provides suspense." The anger of those who are spoiled is then about the same as that toward autoposers. So this is how Netflix manages to not only change a word interpretation with us, but also to brand and win a vote (even if they are among the losers in the process). That should not only make the hearts of filmmakers beat faster with admiration, but also those of communication and brand experts.

With the Nutri-Score, which was originally developed in France, producers can voluntarily label their food. The label shows how well-balanced a product is on a scale from A to E. The Nutri-Score allows similar foods to be compared at a glance. With the Nutri-Score, similar foods can be compared at a glance. In 2019, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) voted to support the Nutri-Score.

Making Nutri-Score better known

The round table at the general meeting of the Swiss Society for Nutrition SBU was moderated by Ursula Zybach, President of Public Health Switzerland. The participants formed a prominent panel: With Liliane Bruggman, Head of the Nutrition Department at BLV, Josianne Walpen, Nutrition Department at Consumer Protection, Stéphanie Collier, Nutrition & Sensory Evaluation Manager at Nestlé Switzerland, Annina Waser, Head of Nutrition & Health at Migros and Annette Matzke, Member of the Food Labelling Working Group at the Alliance Nutrition and Health, all stakeholders were invited to the round table. Liliane Bruggmann explained that the second phase of dissemination and education on the Nutri-Score is currently underway. The aim is to make it known and to promote understanding and competence for the NutriScore among the population. Annina Waser assumed in her comments that it is important that consumers actively demand this labeling on the products in order to spread it further and to introduce it more quickly into the market.

More understanding at all levels

Josiane Walpen then addressed another important topic. She explained that consumer protection, the Fédération romande des consommateurs and Associazione consumatrici e consumatori della Svizzera italiana have investigated children's products in this context. They found that numerous marketing tricks are used to advertise these often unhealthy products. The Nutri-Score could help consumers to better assess these products. Annette Matzke takes a similar view for convenience products. She went on to explain that some companies were afraid to publish the Nutri-Score on their packaging because it would make their products look worse. More understanding and education about the Nutri-Score is needed at all levels, both for consumers and on the part of the industry. The participants in the discussion agreed that the SGE is the mouthpiece for reaching the population via multipliers and then disseminating information about the Nutri-Score in a way that is adapted to the target group. Source: SBU. More information about the Nutri-Score: BLV

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/nutri-score-mehr-information-soll-fuer-besseres-verstaendnis-sorgen/

The demands that consumers place on companies and brands they trust have risen significantly. They expect answers to pressing social issues and want meaningful progress. In the future, Siemens Hausgeräte wants to take this social mission into account with a rejuvenated brand identity. This will be shown for the first time at Eurocucina - including a new brand film, an international image and product campaign and a new retail concept.

Changing target group expectations

The question of what people today associate with "progress" and "home" - key concepts for Siemens home appliances - was of central importance for the repositioning. To this end, the brand commissioned a study in seven countries. The results show that the prolonged pandemic, growing concerns about climate change and the increasingly visible divisions in society have prompted 87% of respondents to rethink their previous views on progress and their priorities. More than 70 percent believe that people should live and consume more consciously and avoid excessive consumption and waste in order to tackle the climate crisis. A large majority say they have already started to change their behavior at home in line with these beliefs. In addition, the developments of the last two years in particular have increased the importance of their own four walls for many. In this "new home", family, life and work intertwine in a dynamic way.

Shaping meaningful progress

With the Re-Shape brand, Siemens Home Appliances is committed to meaningful progress and the desire to help shape a more sustainable future. Intelligent technologies and increasing connectivity can help solve a variety of problems that go beyond the individual. "With our research-based brand focus, we are putting people at the center: helping consumers to effortlessly master their daily challenges while achieving higher goals," says Matthias Ginthum, Chief Markets Officer at BSH Hausgeräte. The campaign, which can be seen immediately in all major Siemens markets, is aimed at a target group that is described as curious and ambitious, progress-oriented and technology-savvy.

CD: more power, more closeness

Driven by this idea of meaningful progress and lofty goals, a new visual identity was created: the combination of deep blue, pure white and the Siemens petrol is intended to provide fresh color impulses. In addition, the brand design uses the power of typography and imagery to create a more dynamic and modern look.

Wide-ranging use

Following its premiere at Eurocucina, the new brand design will be presented at other international trade shows such as AWE in China and IFA in Berlin. It will also be used in over 8,500 brand and flagship stores, showrooms and shop-in-shops worldwide. As the global campaign emphasizes direct contact with the end consumer, there is a particular focus on social media - Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn - as well as on the brand's own channels. Direct involvement in the brand themes of "progress" and "inquisitiveness" is intended to reach a broad audience and create more proximity in order to build sustainable relationships with potential consumers, partners, multipliers and future employees.

Neoviva treats international clients in the heart of Switzerland. Located on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by beautiful nature and good mountain air. The clinic is committed to helping its clients make significant and lasting improvements to their lifestyles. The Zurich agency Schläfle Trittibach was entrusted with the task of developing the corporate design, the Website and to design and implement the print products. The newly developed brand is reminiscent of the coat of arms of a noble residence - simply in a more modern implementation. Visually, the hospitality and discretion of the company stands in front of the medical position. The logo idea depicts the reflection of the past and the future. Depicted with a mirrored N as a monogram, in the form of a mythical creature.

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Responsible at Neoviva: Oliver Neubert (Founder and VRP), Fenina Erpf (Management). Responsible at Schläfle Trittibach: Marcel Schläfle, Christoph Trittibach (creative direction), Marke 17 (web development), Beat Brechbühl, Thomas Biasotto (photography), Aschmann Klauser (retouching), Barbara R. Thoma (text).

A new National Test Institute for Cybersecurity (NTC) is taking on an important function in strengthening Switzerland's cybersecurity and independence. It is located in Zug. Start-up funding has now been secured after the referendum deadline expired on June 7, 2022, and the unanimous decision of the Zug Cantonal Council on March 31, 2022, has become legally binding. After the successful pilot phase, the actual establishment of the NTC as an independent test institute can now take place. The NTC has existed as an association domiciled in the canton of Zug since December 2020.

Increasing cyber risks demand differentiated security checks

In Switzerland, millions of digital components, devices and apps are in use every day. According to prevailing expert opinion, almost every digital product has unknown vulnerabilities. Due to increasing networking and widespread use, this leads to considerable risks for society and the economy. Numerous digital products are not subject to any central testing obligation. In addition, there is a lack of incentives for private sector security companies to conduct security audits on their own initiative and at their own expense. As a result, security audits for the benefit of society do not take place to the required extent and depth today.

Independent testing institute increases cyber resilience

The NTC is an objective and neutral institute that tests networked products and digital applications for trustworthiness and security. The tests are carried out in cooperation with industry, IT security companies and universities, and are initiated on the institute's own initiative if necessary. The NTC is a non-profit organization. It acts completely independently; financial participation by product manufacturers and service providers is excluded by statute.

Center for competence and knowledge transfer

In its work, the testing institute is guided by internationally recognized recommendations and standards. The high quality of the testing service is guaranteed by its own specialist knowledge and an active exchange of knowledge with international experts. The close exchange with other cyber security organizations in Switzerland and abroad, as well as the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), ensures that existing measures are synergistically interlinked and that available capacities are available. In addition, the NTC identifies vulnerabilities in products and services and makes its expertise available to manufacturers of IT components and digital applications, as well as the economy and the general public. With its testing and research projects, the NTC is fulfilling its mission to increase security in Switzerland. To this end, local and international cyber security specialists are now invited to join the NTC in fulfilling this mission. More information: ntc.swiss

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/unabhaengiges-testinstitut-erhoeht-nationale-cybersicherheit-in-der-schweiz/

Cybersecurity solutions provider Trend Micro surveyed 900 industrial cybersecurity managers in Germany, the U.S. and Japan from the manufacturing, oil and gas and electricity sectors for a study. Fifty-two percent of the companies surveyed said they "always" or "usually" respond to a cyberattack that has occurred against industrial facilities with improvements to their cybersecurity infrastructure. Nevertheless, not all companies still have sufficient resources or knowledge to protect themselves against future threats. As a result, 48 percent only "sometimes" or "hardly" respond.

Cyber attacks on industrial plants with large financial damage

For companies whose OT (operational technology) and industrial control systems were affected by cyberattacks, the average financial loss amounts to around 2.6 million euros, according to the company's own figures. The oil and gas industry suffered the greatest loss. For 89 percent of the companies, the supply chain was also affected in addition to core operations, so that they had to temporarily reduce deliveries or change their delivery planning.

Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of respondents said they had been affected by cyberattacks on their industrial environments as many as six times or more over the course of a year.

Increased threat potential

In addition, the study by Trend Micro comes to the following conclusions:

• 40 percent of companies were already unable to fend off the initial attack.
• The top two factors for improving cybersecurity levels are future investments in cloud systems (28 percent) and the implementation of 5G campus networks (26 percent).
• Compared to IT security, OT security is less mature in terms of risk-based threat prevention.

The integration of cloud computing, edge computing and 5G into mixed IT and OT environments has fundamentally changed industrial systems and processes. Enterprises should stay ahead of this evolution and proactively implement security measures to protect their business assets. Improving risk and threat visibility is an important first step in securing the private network and industrial cloud. "Industrial sites around the world are turning to digitization to drive sustainable growth. However, this has led to a flood of security threats that many companies are not armed against and can cause great damage - both financially and reputationally," said Udo Schneider, IoT Security Evangelist Europe at Trend Micro. "To secure what are now highly interconnected IT and OT environments, enterprises need experienced partners who have the foresight and the right toolbox of solutions." Source and further information: Trend Micro

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/cyberangriffe-auf-industrieanlagen-kosten-unternehmen-millionen/