Switzerland: The number of reported cyber incidents doubled in 2021

At the end of 2020, Switzerland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) introduced a new, simpler form for reporting cyber incidents. In its 2021 activity report, published on 5 May 2022, the NCSC admitted that this could partly explain the increase in reports received.

However, this increase is so significant that it necessarily also implies a very high increase in cyberattacks: 21,714 reports of cyber incidents were recorded in 202 , almost double the number in 2020 (10,833).

In 2021, attempted scams were by far the most reported cyber incident, accounting for more than half of the cases (11,300). The NCSC also reported several waves of fake sextortion (or ‘webcam scams’), as well as fake criminal prosecution letters with a payment request for a fine or bail. In addition, 2,704 reports concerned advance payment fraud.

Finally, the NCSC has also been alerted to cyberattacks specifically targeting companies or administrations, such as CEO scams or ransomware.