ICT

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are essential for businesses and institutions. A large-scale ICT failure would seriously jeopardise the functioning of the economy and the availability of essential goods and services.

ICT infrastructure: NES measures in a crisis

The National Economic Supply (NES) is mandated to ensure the provision of essential goods and services during times of shortage. To this end, the ICT Secretariat focuses on preparing measures aimed at maintaining ICT‑driven processes in the economy and public administration as far as possible, even in the event of disruptions. If a failure nevertheless occurs, its negative impact on Switzerland should be limited as much as possible.

To achieve this goal, the NES works closely with relevant actors in critical infrastructures, particularly in the areas of telecommunications, supply chains, and payment systems. For example, in close cooperation with the telecommunications sector, an industry solution was developed to reduce electricity consumption in case of acute power shortages. This aims to ensure the functioning of essential ICT services even in times of energy scarcity.

Payment systems are a key prerequisite for procuring essential goods. Accordingly, the National Economic Supply (NES) works closely with the Swiss National Bank (SNB) as well as with all relevant actors involved in cash supply and electronic payment systems.

In the area of cash supply, potential vulnerabilities are continuously analyzed and assessed. The aim is to define measures at an early stage to ensure the most stable possible cash supply even during severe shortages.

In parallel, the NES is working with the private sector to further strengthen the resilience of electronic payment systems in order to ensure their functionality even under difficult conditions. One concrete example currently under review is the introduction of offline card payments, which would make it possible to carry out electronic payments at physical points of sale even when network availability is limited or interrupted.

In cooperation with relevant economic actors, the FONES regularly conducts criticality analyses and situation assessments to identify potential supply bottlenecks at an early stage and to determine the resulting need for action in preparing appropriate measures.