Swiss SMEs especially value clear communication and cultural understanding by providers, and they are more likely to engage with partners that appreciate their unique requirements and operating environments.
Unlike large enterprises with in-house security teams, SMEs often rely heavily on managed service providers( MSPs) to provide end-to-end protection. However, many SMEs still underestimate the risks. Industry analysts note that attackers increasingly target SMEs as“ entry points” to larger supply chains, recognising that their lower defences can provide a stepping stone to bigger targets.
Why SMEs are Targeted
• Less investment in advanced security
• Often lack 24 / 7 monitoring
• Reliance on outdated systems
• Vulnerability through supply chain access
• Limited ability to recover from ransomware financially
The AI and quantum frontier
“ Both large and midsize clients in Switzerland increasingly seek managed security providers that use AI and automation, in addition to human expertise and experience, to address evolving threats,” said Frank Heuer, Principal Analyst and Lead Cybersecurity Analyst DACH, ISG Provider Lens Research and lead author of the report.“ They also seek advisory support, especially for AI and quantumbased risks, to stay ahead of cybercriminals.”
AI is increasingly used in threat detection, anomaly analysis and automated response, reducing the“ dwell time” of attackers. But it is also being weaponised by cybercriminals to create more convincing phishing campaigns or to bypass traditional filters.
Quantum computing adds another layer of concern. While not yet mainstream, the potential for quantum machines to break current encryption standards poses a long-term challenge. Enterprises and governments are beginning to consider postquantum cryptography strategies to future-proof sensitive data.
Future Risks on the Horizon
• AI-driven phishing: Automatically tailored scams using deepfake voice or video.
• Post-quantum threats: Breaking today’ s encryption methods in seconds.
• IoT vulnerabilities: Billions of connected devices with weak or no security.
• Cyberwarfare spillover: Attacks originating from geopolitical conflicts affecting Swiss firms.
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