Further information

What impact does a disruption have on ICT infrastructure?

Disruptions to ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructure can have significant impacts. In the worst case, critical infrastructures (e.g. energy supply, healthcare, transport systems) can be affected. This can have far-reaching social consequences. In addition to financial losses and productivity losses for companies, nationwide supply bottlenecks of certain goods and services can occur, which can affect the provision of basic services.

What precautions does FONES take to prepare for ICT disruptions?

While the National Cyber Security Centre strengthens cyber resilience and monitors disruptions, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs develops measures for crisis situations, i.e. in the event of serious disruptions. These include prioritising services in times of scarcity and coordinating efforts on the part of economic actors and the state to ensure the best possible supply for the population even in the event of failures in data and communication links.

What impact does a power shortage have on the ICT infrastructure?

During a power shortage, various measures are implemented to reduce electricity consumption. If appeals to reduce energy consumption and restrictions and bans on the use of electrical energy do not lead to a sufficient reduction in consumption, standard quotas may be imposed, or if the situation becomes extremely urgent, immediate quotas can be imposed. Cyclical grid shutdowns have serious consequences for the economy and the population and result in far-reaching restrictions. As a result, power shortages can severely impair ICT infrastructure.

Further information: Measures concerning electricity

How can the security of ICT infrastructures be improved in crisis situations?

Economic actors and the state work together to develop emergency measures that include systems hardening – through emergency power supplies and redundant systems – and the prioritisation of essential services, such as emergency services communication or payment transactions. This requires not only the cooperation of all institutions and companies involved, but also the creation of a legal framework for times of crisis.

What measures are planned in the event of a severe power shortage in mobile communications?

In the event that an electricity quota is imposed during a severe electricity shortage, all large consumers would be equally required to reduce their electricity consumption. In this case, the mobile radio industry, together with OFCOM, FONES and asut, the Swiss Association of Telecommunications, has drawn up an industry ordinance. This envisages switching off certain frequency bands during an electricity quota phase. The measure would affect the customers of all licensees.

Where can you report a cyberattack?

Companies subject to reporting requirements, i.e. operators of critical infrastructures, can submit reports directly to the Cyber Security Hub at the National Cyber Security Centre.

Further information: Cyber Security Hub

How can private individuals protect themselves from cyberattacks?

The NCSC provides useful information on its website about how to behave correctly in cyberspace.

Further information: National Cyber Security Center NCSC

Is it recommended to keep a cash reserve?

Yes. Payment systems may be severely disrupted during crisis situations (e.g. a major power shortage). Keep enough cash in small notes and coins at home to pay for a week's shopping and a tank of petrol.

What else should I stock besides cash?

An emergency supply calculator is available on the NES website to help you determine your personal emergency stock.