What is Zero Trust?
Zero trust is a security model based on the principle of“ never trust, always verify”.
Key components include:
• Continuous monitoring of network traffic
• Multi-factor authentication for users
• Segmentation of access privileges
• Automatic isolation of suspicious activity
Regulatory pressure mounts
Legal and regulatory pressures, particularly those related to data protection, are shaping enterprise priorities in Switzerland, ISG says. Organisations are strengthening their cybersecurity frameworks to comply with evolving regulations and safeguard sensitive information, particularly in banking and financial services.
Switzerland’ s financial sector, which accounts for a significant portion of GDP, is subject to both domestic regulations and international expectations, especially where cross-border financial services are concerned. The Federal Act on Data Protection( nFADP), which came into force in 2023, has also heightened compliance requirements, placing an emphasis on transparency, accountability and stricter breach notification.
To meet these needs, many enterprises are seeking providers that emphasise“ Swissness” – the development and delivery of IT products and services within Switzerland – for both compliance and cultural alignment.
Key Regulations Impacting Swiss Firms
• nFADP( 2023): Strengthened rules on consent, transparency and data processing.
• EU GDPR( 2018): Still relevant for Swiss firms trading with EU partners.
• FINMA Circulars: Financial regulator guidelines on operational resilience and IT security.
• DORA( 2025): The EU’ s Digital Operational Resilience Act will indirectly influence Swiss banks with EU operations.
SMEs: the weakest link
Small and midsize enterprises( SMEs) in Switzerland often have less mature cybersecurity systems than larger organisations, making it necessary to upgrade their defences as threats and regulations expand. These needs are driving above-average growth in demand for modern cybersecurity solutions in the SME segment, the report says.
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