Swiss companies expect cybercrime to intensify in the coming year, according to new research from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). The study shows that 81.6% of businesses foresee a significant rise in cyberattacks by 2026, with concerns centred on financial losses and reputational damage among customers, investors and the wider public.
© Anyaberkut | Dreamstime
The rapid spread of artificial intelligence is amplifying these fears. Nearly 45% of respondents view AI-related risks as "rather high," while more than 40% report having already encountered AI-generated fraud, including fake profiles and forged payment documents. Despite this, many firms believe AI could strengthen cyber defence, with almost 45% considering it a potential opportunity to detect incidents more effectively.
The report highlights major knowledge gaps: one in two companies lacks sufficient understanding of existing and emerging cyber threats, and more than a third have no formal risk management structures. Beyond cybercrime, businesses list fraud (67.3%), money laundering (53.1%) and offences linked to debt collection and bankruptcy (49%) as significant concerns.
The study was conducted in partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Switzerland Chapter.
Source: www.kmu.admin.ch
