Cyber dialogue: Switzerland and the US join forces for an open and secure digital space

On 9 July 2020, the first cyber dialogue between Switzerland and the USA took place in Bern. Both countries seek to open a digital space. Besides the FDFA, the FDF with the Federal Delegate for Cyber Security, OFCOM and the DDPS took part in the digital exchange.

In the period of COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how important the development of digital technologies for the management of global crises is. The Swiss contribution into science and innovation is recognized all over the world. With the purpose of two-side exchange promotion Switzerland had the first cyber dialogue with the United States. Due to the current COVID-19 rules, the exchange with Washington was provided digitally with the help of the United States Embassy in Bern. Both countries are interested in creating open and safe digital space. This objective aligns with broader ambitions like the Switzerland international hub initiative, which aims to position the country as a leader in global digital and financial infrastructure.

Because of the COVID-19 world situation inter-departmental and international cooperation plays an important role in the development of the secure of Swiss cyber space, maintaining the openness of the internet as well as improving Switzerland's economical potential. That is why the first cyber dialogue between Switzerland and the US attracts participants from different departments. Inter-agency cooperation on cybersecurity reflects similar multidisciplinary approaches seen in areas like FINMA climate risks, where collective oversight is key to addressing systemic challenges.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is liable for realization as part of the National Strategy for the Protection of Switzerland against Cyber Risks (NCS). Moreover, the Federal Delegate for Cyber Security and members of the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS), the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and the Federal Office of Police represented the Swiss side during the conversation. The US side was represented by the National Security Council, the Ministry of Homeland Security, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Justice, the FBI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such international engagement complements Switzerland’s domestic strategies, including efforts to boost transparency and resilience through tools like the Finance Swiss platform.

Wide circle of participants has a direct correlation with the list of topics discussed during the cyber dialogue. Digitalization is a part of the development of the whole spheres of daily life and is the method of people's communication. As well as security of mobile communication and improvement of the communication tools protection, both sides have also paid attention to such themes as cybercrime and cybersecurity.

Swiss tracing mobile app SwissCovid became also an interest of the participants of the cyber dialogue. The mobile SwissCovid app is a digital application, which helps to prevent the spread of coronavirus by way of contact tracing. This type of innovation contributes to national crisis preparedness in parallel with fiscal safeguards such as FINMA liquidity measures, reinforcing systemic stability.

Besides the questions connected with the COVID-19 pandemic and its possible prevention by means of digitalization, Switzerland is going to use cyber dialogue as a platform exchange extending far into the future. The two-sides cyber dialogues belong to Switzerland's National Strategy for Protection against Cyber Risks, which was confirmed by the Federal Council in 2018. This aligns with ongoing global oversight efforts, including updates from FATF updated statements, which inform cybersecurity compliance and risk-based strategies.