The most important first
Cyberattacks in Switzerland affect not only large companies but also small businesses, self-employed people and SMEs. Anyone using customer data, emails, accounting or digital processes is already a potential target. A cyber insurance does not replace security measures, but can cushion financial consequences, crisis support and recovery in case of an incident.
From our experience at SKV it repeatedly shows: especially small businesses underestimate their risk because they consider themselves too small. This attitude makes them vulnerable, because attackers do not seek a big coup but poorly protected systems. For those affected, company size does not matter, but how quickly they can respond to an incident.
Why Swiss small businesses are interesting targets for cyberattacks
The most common misconception is: “There is nothing to gain for us.” In reality, small companies are attractive too because they often have digital customer data, payment flows and operational processes, but less protection than larger firms. The Federal Office for Information Security processes tens of thousands of reports on cyber incidents every year, and the number remains high.
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What weaknesses do small businesses have especially often
- No dedicated IT security team, as IT is managed on the side.
- Unclear responsibilities for updates, backups and access rights.
- Outdated systems, short or reused passwords and missing two-factor authentication.
- Too little awareness of phishing, fake invoices and fake-CEO scams.
- High dependence on a few key people when crisis management arises.
The Cybersecurity Study 2024/2025 on IT security in Swiss SMEs also shows that cybersecurity loses priority in many companies, although attacks and incidents remain constant. This is a dangerous mix of high threat and too little everyday consequences. Those who react ad hoc do not build effective protection.
What happens in a real emergency during a cyberattack?
| Consequence | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Business interruption | Ransomware encrypts systems, orders, invoices and appointments come to a standstill. |
| Data loss or data leakage | Customer data, personnel information or documents fall into the wrong hands. |
| Extortion | Attacker demands money and sets deadlines, often with pressure via published data. |
| Reputation damage | Customers lose trust when data is affected. |
| Recovery costs | Forensics, rebuilding and external specialists become expensive quickly. |
A cyberattack often starts unobtrusively, for example with a phishing email, a manipulated PDF or a fake website. This is precisely what makes it dangerous for small businesses because a single click can bring operations to a halt for days. If there are no clear processes, time, money and trust are lost.
Why antivirus alone is not a safe solution
Many companies rely on standard antivirus and firewall, but feel safer than they actually are. This is not enough if employees open phishing emails, permissions are unclear or backups are not well maintained. In projects we repeatedly see: only the combination of technology, training and an emergency plan creates a solid foundation.
- Up-to-date software and clean access rights.
- Regular backups that are recoverable in an emergency.
- Trained employees who can recognize manipulation and social engineering.
- Defined emergency processes for crises, communication and recovery.
What role does a cyber insurance play for SMEs?
A cyber insurance is not a substitute for IT security but an additional building block in risk management. It can cover costs for forensics and restoration, support from external specialists and depending on the product also income loss or liability claims. For Swiss SMEs and self-employed, it is particularly interesting when internal resources are scarce.
SKV offers together with a specialized insurer a solution for self-employed and SMEs that focuses on simple online closures and clear coverage modules. This makes protection not more complicated, but more planable. This is exactly what small enterprises need to pragmatically and transparently solve their risks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cyber insurance enough if we do not change anything else?
Are very small businesses also targets for cyberattacks?
What consequences can an incident have for my company specifically?
What should I consider when deciding on cyber insurance?
For Swiss SMEs the central question is not whether they are too small for hackers, but how well they are prepared for an incident. Those who take cybersecurity as a leadership task seriously reduce damage and make better decisions in an emergency. A well-chosen cyber insurance can sensibly complement this protection.
Especially with limited resources, a clear, sober view of risk counts. Those who think of their cybersecurity and a cyber insurance together protect not only systems but also customer trust and the continuity of the business.
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Schweizerischer Kaderverband SKV, St. Gallen