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A cyber report to the board of directors should prepare a decision, not just show activity. With a one-page template and a fictitious example, you can check whether your current report does this.
An approved cyber budget says little about which business risks remain. Five questions help the board of directors turn a budget approval into a traceable decision about risks.
An attack on a software vendor affects several Swiss pension funds. The case is a reason to rethink your own vendor review: why a completed questionnaire alone is not enough and what a review that goes deeper looks like.
AI produces a privacy notice, a record of processing and a list of measures in minutes. Whether the data is protected is a different question. Five pitfalls and the difference between a ticked checklist and security that works.
AI tools are rolled out in days, while data protection is often left for later. That comes at a price: halted projects, lost deals and personal fines. Six common mistakes and how companies avoid them.
A practical action plan for the EU AI Act and medical AI: which systems are high-risk, how the AI Act dovetails with MDR/IVDR, and why an inventory and classification now matter more than any deadline.
What a hospital must report, how the clock runs, what BACS expects, including a reporting workflow to rehearse in a tabletop and the distinction from NIS2.
What the EU AI Act means for B2B SaaS providers shipping AI features: transparency duties for most, high-risk for some, GPAI duties for model providers, the provider vs deployer split, and how it interlocks with your DPA and the vendor security review.
A practical guide for B2B SaaS: answer CAIQ, SIG and bespoke security questionnaires faster, build a trust center, and stop deals stalling in procurement.
SOC 2 or ISO 27001 first? A decision guide for B2B SaaS providers who want to answer customer security questionnaires fast and win the deal.
A neutral decision guide for hospitals, practices and HealthTech: which criteria matter when choosing a security and data-protection partner, with a buyer's checklist.
Legal guide for SaaS vendors as processors: GDPR Art. 28, Swiss DSG, the DPA, sub-processor list, ROPA Art. 30(2), Art. 32, 72h notice, SCCs and TIA. With a checklist.
Cloud, EHR and MedTech suppliers are part of your liability: due diligence, risk tiering, contractual controls, DPAs, ISMS integration (A.5.19–A.5.23) and continuity escrow.
The FINMA Risk Monitor 2024 is the annual situational assessment by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. It prioritises cyber risks, third-party dependencies and market volatility as central supervisory focus areas for 2025.
Sick → doctor. Taxes → accountant. Machine down → technician. Cyber attack → "our IT guy handles that." Why that one reflex is the most expensive line in your P&L.
When is an AI system high-risk under the EU AI Act? Annex III with examples, the Art. 6(3) derogation and the roles from provider to deployer.
How the AI Act, FADP and GDPR interact: scope, transparency, DPIA and FRIA, automated individual decisions, data governance and supervision.
Which AI practices Art. 5 of the EU AI Act prohibits, explained with examples from Swiss SMEs: manipulation, social scoring, emotion recognition, biometrics.
AI policy for Swiss SMEs: scope, approved tools and data, prohibited use cases, human oversight, suppliers and training.
AI regulation in Switzerland: the Federal Council's sectoral approach, the Council of Europe AI convention, FDPIC positions and the effect of the AI Act.
Building an ISMS under ISO/IEC 27001 in twelve steps: scope, gap analysis, risk assessment, SoA, controls, internal audit and certification audit.
Using Calendly in line with data protection law: data flows of a booking, DPA and third-country transfers, key settings, cookies and alternatives.
Can a Swiss SME use ChatGPT Business with personal data? Conditions under the FADP, comparison with personal accounts, Enterprise and API, checklist, policy.
Cookie banners for Swiss websites: how the TCA, FADP and UCA interact, when opt-in makes sense, three banner templates and common mistakes.
Cookies and tracking in Switzerland: the legal bases, when consent is needed and when information is enough, and what a cookie notice must contain.
How cyber security consulting is structured in Switzerland: assessment, ISMS, penetration tests, awareness and incident response in five phases.
Cyber security guide for Swiss companies: threat landscape, ISA and the reporting duty, NCSC, CIS Controls, incident handling and priorities.
Reporting a data breach to the FDPIC in five steps: detection, assessing the high risk, notification under Art. 24 FADP and informing data subjects.
Data protection in the canton of Aargau: the IDAG for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, the cantonal authority and advice for SMEs.
Data protection in Basel-Stadt: the IDG BS for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, the life sciences cluster and cross-border commuters.
Data protection in the canton of Bern: the cantonal KDSG for canton and municipalities, the FADP for private companies, supervision and practical advice.
Data protection in the canton of Geneva: the LIPAD for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, cantonal supervision and international organisations.
Data protection in hotels and restaurants: guest data and registration duties, PMS, payment data, marketing and loyalty, video and staff data.
Data protection for insurers and brokers: application and claims data, profiling and AI in underwriting and pricing, FINMA requirements and data flows.
Data protection in law firms: legal privilege and the FADP right of access, cross-border disclosure, cloud hosting of client files and data breaches.
Data protection in the canton of Lucerne: cantonal law for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, tourism, municipalities and universities.
External data protection officer in the canton of Zurich: FADP and IDG ZH, industries with demand, tasks in a mandate, interfaces and engagement models.
When does a company need a data protection officer? Mandatory under Art. 37 GDPR, a voluntary advisor under Art. 10 FADP, internal or external.
Data protection in property management: data of rental applicants, credit and debt enforcement checks, video surveillance and service providers.
Data protection in schools: cantonal law or FADP, consent of minors, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, learning analytics, photos and data breaches.
Data protection in the canton of St. Gallen: cantonal law for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, the financial sector, textiles and universities.
Data protection in associations: member data, photos and social media, newsletters and fundraising, minimum standards and a roadmap for the board.
Data protection in medical practices: professional secrecy under the Swiss Criminal Code, FADP duties towards patients, EPR, insurers and data security.
Data protection in Swiss online shops: privacy notice at checkout, cookies and retargeting, payment data, service providers, newsletters and the UCA.
Data protection for fiduciaries: FADP, banking secrecy, FINMA outsourcing rules, international tax data flows and anti-money laundering due diligence.
Data protection in Zug's Crypto Valley: FADP and cantonal law, KYC, AML and the travel rule, on-chain data, FINMA supervision and cross-border flows.
Data protection in the canton of Zurich: the IDG ZH for public bodies, the FADP for private companies, the cantonal authority's role, cloud and AI.
Data protection and data security explained simply: different objects of protection, legal bases and roles, and where they meet in the TOMs.
DORA and FINMA compared: where the five DORA pillars and the FINMA circulars overlap, where they differ and how one programme can cover both.
Building the DORA register of information: legal basis, the data tables of the ESA template, critical functions and common mistakes.
DORA for Swiss financial service providers: the five pillars, ICT risk management, incident reporting, TLPT, third-party risk and the link to FINMA.
DORA does not apply directly in Switzerland. When EU subsidiaries, branches and Swiss ICT providers are affected: comparison table, examples and checklist.
Which EU AI Act obligations apply from when: prohibitions, AI literacy, GPAI models and high-risk systems, and what Swiss companies should do now.
The EU AI Act for Swiss companies: extraterritorial reach, risk classes, GPAI, obligations of providers and deployers, links to the FADP and GDPR.
External data protection officer in Switzerland: legal framework in CH and the EU, when the model fits, scope of services, costs and conflicts of interest.
The FDPIC explained: position, tasks and investigative powers under the FADP, reporting channels, how an investigation runs and current priorities.
GDPR self-check in eight points: lawful basis, records, information, processors, data breaches, DPIA, third countries and governance.
The GDPR in plain terms: twelve core obligations, each with its legal basis, the typical pitfall and the evidence you need.
What GDPR scanners and cookie tools measure technically, where their limits are and why they cannot replace a legal review.
The GDPR on one page: its eleven chapters and their most important articles, each summarised in a single sentence.
When the GDPR applies to Swiss companies and what it requires on top of the FADP: EU representative, breach deadlines, privacy notice, checklist.
The GDPR for Swiss companies: when Art. 3(2) applies, EU representative, relationship with the FADP, fines, third-country transfers and first steps.
Information security officer as a service: what the role involves, how it differs from a CISO, legal bases, engagement models and selection criteria.
Information security in Switzerland: ISO 27001 and other standards, Swiss rules from the ISA and FINMA, EU duties and the roles of CISO and security officer.
Instagram profiles and data protection: joint controllership with Meta, what your privacy policy must state and data transfers to the US.
Is WhatsApp at work compliant with the GDPR and FADP? Contact lists, US transfers, WhatsApp Business, private devices and compliant alternatives.
What ISO/IEC 27001:2022 changed compared with 2013: the new Annex A with 93 controls, eleven new controls and the consequences of the transition.
Planning internal audits under ISO/IEC 27001: audit programme, auditors, sampling, classification of findings, corrective actions and the report.
ISO 27001 certification in Switzerland: preparation, choosing a certification body, stage 1 and 2, the surveillance cycle, duration and costs.
ISO 27001:2022 checklist: the 93 Annex A controls grouped by the four themes, with applicability questions and typical evidence.
ISO/IEC 27001 at a glance: the standards family, the 2022 revision, clauses 4 to 10, Annex A, the certification path and links to FADP, GDPR, NIS2, DORA.
What ISO 27001 certification costs: internal effort, consulting and certification body fees, with realistic ranges by company size.
ISO 27001 for SMEs, the lean way: a narrow scope, risk assessment by the owners, minimal documentation and what auditors expect.
ISO 27001 recertification after three years: how it differs from a surveillance audit, management review, internal audit, SoA and preparation.
Building a Statement of Applicability under ISO/IEC 27001:2022: normative requirements, column structure, link to risk treatment, common findings.
ISO/IEC 27701 as an extension of an ISO 27001 ISMS: structure of the standard, controls for controllers and processors, joint audits.
Jimdo and Swiss data protection: what the Jimdo generator covers, which gaps remain under the FADP and how to handle third-party services and cookies.
Running Microsoft 365 in line with data protection law: legal framework, EU Data Boundary, encryption, sensitivity labels, audit logs, configuration.
Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot in line with data protection law: data location, sensitivity labels, permission clean-up, DLP and mandatory steps.
Configuring Microsoft Teams for data protection: data flows, chat retention, recordings, eDiscovery and the right of access, sensitivity labels.
Reporting duty for cyberattacks under the ISA: which critical infrastructure operators must report, what counts as a reportable attack, deadlines, sanctions.
The reporting duty for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure at a glance: current rules, the role of the NCSC, links to NIS2 and DORA, first steps.
Fines under the FADP: which breaches are criminal offences, why the fine targets the responsible individual and how this differs from the GDPR.
FADP and GDPR compared: the twelve most important differences in scope, legal bases, obligations, breach notification and sanctions.
NIS2 for Swiss groups with EU links: essential and important entities, minimum measures under Art. 21, reporting duties and the supply chain.
Is my Swiss company covered by NIS2? A five-step self-check: EU establishment, sector, size, supply chain and obligations by status.
NIS2 in the supply chain: which requirements EU customers pass on to Swiss suppliers, contract clauses, audits and reporting channels.
NIS2 and ISO 27001 compared: which Annex A controls cover the minimum measures of Art. 21(2) NIS2 and which gaps remain.
Penetration testing in Switzerland: black, grey and white box compared, methodology standards, scoping, retests, reporting and legal aspects.
Phishing simulation in SMEs: legal and HR aspects, choice of tool, campaign rhythm, just-in-time training and the right metrics.
Privacy by design and by default under Art. 7 FADP and Art. 25 GDPR: the seven principles and how to build them into development.
Privacy policy generators compared: SIDD, Swissanwalt and ActiveMind on FADP and GDPR coverage, languages, records integration and price.
A privacy policy field by field: every item required by the FADP with its legal basis, a practical comment and sample wording you can reuse.
Red, blue and purple teams explained: goals and approach, how they differ from a pentest, which format fits when, MITRE ATT&CK and contracts.
What Schrems II means for Swiss companies today: the Data Privacy Frameworks, transfer impact assessments and remaining risks with US recipients.
Security awareness training in Switzerland: providers, programme design, meaningful metrics beyond the click rate and reporting to management.
Shopify and data protection: Shopify's role, the data it processes, what your privacy policy must state, apps, cookies and pixels.
SOC as a service in Switzerland: when MDR pays off, scope of services, selection criteria, data residency and professional secrecy, SLAs and prices.
Spark Mail at work: how its proxy architecture works, what access Spark gets, the allocation of roles, professional secrecy and alternatives.
Using standard contractual clauses correctly: choosing the module, Swiss adaptations, transfer impact assessment, annexes and sub-processors.
Review of the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2026: key topics, talks and market observations, plus tips for attending next year.
Data processing agreements under Art. 9 FADP and Art. 28 GDPR: when you need one, the key clauses, sub-processors and audit rights.
The data protection advisor under Art. 10 FADP: voluntary, but with benefits. Tasks, qualifications, independence and position in the company.
Data protection checklist for Swiss SMEs: 28 points on records, privacy notice, processors, third countries, security and data breaches.
Privacy policy generators for Swiss websites: what free builders deliver, when you need more and how a record of processing activities helps.
The Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection at a glance: scope, principles, data subject rights, obligations, sanctions and the role of the FDPIC.
What a Swiss privacy policy must contain: mandatory content under Art. 19 FADP, recommended additions, multilingual versions and the GDPR interface.
Privacy policy under the FADP: what Art. 19 FADP requires, extra duties for automated individual decisions and when the GDPR also applies.
Free privacy policy template under the FADP: explained section by section, with notes for public authorities and regulated industries.
Threat-led penetration testing under DORA: when TLPT is mandatory, the TIBER-EU process, roles, scope, the supervisory dialogue and the Swiss angle.
Vulnerability scan or penetration test? What each delivers, common tools, a decision matrix and which requirements call for which.
Embedding the privacy policy on your website: accessibility, implementation in the CMS, cookie banner, multilingual versions and versioning.
What does DSG mean? The Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection explained briefly: what it covers, the key obligations and how it differs from GDPR and BDSG.
What is data protection? An introduction to personal data, principles, roles, data subject rights, FDPIC supervision and when FADP or GDPR applies.
Wix and Swiss data protection: Wix's role, data flows, what your privacy policy must state, apps, cookies and consent.
The 2025 data protection trends bundle the regulatory and technical developments most relevant for Swiss companies. This article positions the AI Act, DORA, FINMA expectations and FDPIC practice in concrete terms.
Administrative court proceedings between controllers and supervisory authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern concretise the requirements for GDPR implementation. The article situates the structural lessons and transfers them to DACH practice.
The Swiss DSG (Federal Act on Data Protection / FADP) has applied since 1 September 2023. This article analyses the legal framework, the duties of controllers and the role of the FDPIC.
Consent in the employment relationship means the explicit agreement by employees to the processing of their personal data. Because of the power imbalance, it is rarely the right legal basis in Switzerland.
The German C5 Equivalence Ordinance defines which cloud security attestations are recognised as equivalent within the scope of the C5 catalogue. It has indirect but relevant implications for Swiss cloud consumers and providers.
CJEU case law has been concretising the interpretation of the GDPR since 2018 and increasingly shapes the application of the Swiss DSG. The article analyses the key lines and derives concrete duties for controllers in the DACH region.
Data protection in the digital age means handling personal data lawfully across connected, automated and cloud-based processes. This guide sets out six concrete challenges for Swiss organisations.
The Swiss DSG (FADP) sits within a dense network of international requirements. This article positions adequacy, the DPF, SCCs and BCRs, and the tension between DSG, GDPR and the US CLOUD Act.
Data security under Swiss law requires risk-based technical and organizational measures (TOMs) under Art. 8 DSG. This guide shows how to map those requirements concretely onto ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A.
Inquiry IN-19-9-3 of Ireland's Data Protection Commission targeted Meta Platforms Ireland and concretised the legal bases for contract-based processing. The article analyses the decision and transfers it to DACH practice.
The preliminary reference C-383/23 ILVA concerns the interpretation of Art. 83 GDPR and in particular the relevant turnover concept for fine calculation. The article analyses the procedural questions and derives consequences for DACH compliance.
Swiss occupational pension funds (Pensionskassen) process special-category personal data of the second pillar and are subject simultaneously to BVG supervision and DSG duties. This guide shows how both regimes can be combined in practice.
Browser extensions are small programs with far-reaching access to the entire web traffic. This analysis sets out the permission model, typical attack patterns and how organisations can protect themselves, using Microsoft Edge add-ons as the worked example.
AI data protection in Switzerland refers to the duty, when using ChatGPT, Copilot or in-house models, to comply with the DSG and to observe EU rules wherever they apply extraterritorially.
FINMA supervisory notice 03/2024 specifies the expectations on cyber risk management for supervised institutions. It summarises lessons from notifications under Art. 29 FINMASA and sharpens supervisory practice and audit focus.
The C5 attestation is a cloud assurance report defined by BSI and issued under ISAE 3000. It assesses whether a cloud provider meets the C5 catalogue requirements and is gaining relevance for Swiss cloud consumers.
In proceeding EXP202213023 the AEPD (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos) sanctioned the deficient implementation of the right to erasure. The article situates the fine and transfers the lessons to GDPR and Swiss DSG compliance for Swiss controllers.
FINMA Circular 2023/01 'Operational Risks and Resilience - Banks' has been in force since 1 January 2024. It consolidates the requirements on operational risk management, ICT risks and operational resilience.
This article explores the intersection of data protection and artificial intelligence by examining both the legal and technical challenges, as well as the opportunities that arise from their interaction.
In a recent case handled by the Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD), the role of consent as a fundamental basis for lawful personal data processing was highlighted. The case emphasizes the significance of transparent communication and clearly defined processes in data management to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), regulatory frameworks face complex challenges. Switzerland is actively working on establishing a framework to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.
This article explores the implications of Case C-413/23, EDPS v. SRB, for Switzerland, focusing in particular on the associated data protection challenges and strategies for addressing them.
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial institutions offers numerous benefits but also presents regulatory challenges. The Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has developed guidelines to ensure the safe use of AI.
The EDPB has imposed a landmark ban on Meta involving the use of personal data without express consent. This article explains why this ban was enacted, which legal framework is affected, and what effects it could have on companies in Switzerland.
In the digital economy, contract processors play a crucial role in data protection. These experts help those responsible for data processing meet numerous obligations under the GDPR. In this article, we explore the roles and responsibilities of contract processors in Switzerland.
Data breaches pose a significant threat to businesses. This article outlines the recommendations from the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) on how to effectively handle such incidents.
The European Commission has published clear guidelines on the concept of an AI system. This article highlights their significance, the impact on Swiss legislation and future measures to ensure data protection.
Compliance in an increasingly digital world can be complex. In Switzerland, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution for automating and optimizing compliance processes while ensuring adherence to data protection regulations.
This article examines the implications of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on the concept of data protection fines under the GDPR and explores the potential consequences for companies in Switzerland. Particular attention is given to how this ruling may influence enforcement practices, legal certainty, and risk management for cross-border data processing activities.
The use of cookies and similar technologies is widespread, but many companies face challenges in complying with privacy regulations. This overview of the FDPIC guidelines provides clear instructions and recommendations for implementing these technologies in accordance with data protection laws.
Fingerprint tracking allows companies to identify users without using traditional cookies. This potentially constitutes a circumvention of European data protection guidelines and could also raise data protection concerns in Switzerland.
The use of AI technologies presents both opportunities and risks for Swiss companies. In this article, we examine the key legal aspects and provide guidance on ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Implementing ISO 27001 presents companies with a decision: Develop it in-house or use a packaged solution? This analysis highlights the benefits of both approaches, particularly in the context of the Swiss data protection landscape.
Get expert advice on how to successfully achieve ISO 27001 certification.
Master the ISO 27001 audit process in 30 days with our comprehensive guide.
Discover the basics of compliance with Article 27 of the GDPR. Learn more about EU representatives, exemptions, and key obligations.
The Future of Data Protection in the Light of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and Its Impact on the Financial Sector
The Data Protection Aspects of Corporate Acquisition/M&A, Be It Share Deals (Share Acquisition) or Asset Deals
On December 14, 2023, the Bundestag adopted a bill to speed up digitization.
FADP Audit in Switzerland: What Changes Are Relevant for Your Company or SME
Activity Reports from European Data Protection Authorities
ISO 27001 Certification is Becoming Increasingly Important for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Learn how to become a Data Protection Officer with those 5 steps.
With external data protection officers, you gain security.
Data Protection Law requires a risk-based Approach in defining TOM
Data Protection, Consultants, and Management Systems as Key Elements of Compliance
Reliable Data Protection as a Key Differentiator for Your Start-Up or ICT Company
How to Start, Implement, and Successfully Complete a Data Protection Project
The Future of Data Protection in the Light of the Role of the EU Representative for Companies Outside the European Union
In accordance with Article 4(12) GDPR, a personal data breach refers to a security violation.