The ISA is Switzerland’s response to rising cyberthreats – many state-sponsored – targeting critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, finance, transport and telecommunications. With attacks increasing and geopolitical tensions escalating, the government demands greater transparency and accountability.
Aimed at enabling swift response, improving oversight and preventing wider disruptions, the regulation also adds pressure at a time when companies already face growing cyber risks and overlapping compliance duties. For instance, the revised Swiss Data Protection Act (FADP) already mandates breach reporting.
Aside from the financial risk, non-compliance can damage reputations, trigger regulatory scrutiny and disrupt operations. SMEs are especially at risk, often lacking cybersecurity staff or tested response plans. But with the right strategies, companies can turn regulatory pressure into cyber resilience.
