The general program structure and topics for the conference part of the Swiss CyberHub (CHub) in Fribourg on October 12 and 13, 2023 are fixed. In collaboration with a program committee, the organizing committee has set itself the goal of ensuring that all visitors return home with a backback full of concrete and practical knowledge about cybersecurity and the future challenges of digital mutation. Organized as an exhibition and conference (hub), the national event at Forum Fribourg is free to attend.
Those responsible at the digiVolution Foundation are convinced that an event such as the one planned with the Swiss CyberHub is urgently needed to close the ranks between Switzerland’s cybersecurity players and to increase understanding of cybersecurity among decision-makers in small and large companies, among the public, and among politicians and administrative staff (municipalities and cantons) in all positions. The dV-Hub GmbH, founded by digiVolution as the promoter of the CHub, wants to stimulate in particular the public-oriented way of thinking as well as the service idea and make a noticeable contribution to the success of the National Strategy for the Protection of Switzerland against Cyber Risks.
Insights in focus
In addition to an overview of the most important challenges in cyberspace, both days of the conference will focus on so-called “Insights”. They are each moderated by top experts on the respective topics, include several short impulse presentations, which lead to an in-depth discussion among the participants and thus convey the most important messages on the topics to the audience. For example, “TECHinsights” deals with the opportunities and risks of the cloud that need to be considered. “DATAinsights” addresses data as the now most important fuel of our society and the key role of artificial intelligence (AI). For CHub director Gérald Vernez, “it is critical to empower decision makers with the means to decipher data and AI, and enable them to take advantage and protect themselves from misuse.” “RISKSinsights,” in turn, highlights the trends to consider in cyber risk in a forward-thinking and holistic approach.
In addition to a “wake-up call” on the disruptive topic of the hour, the second day will feature “PREVENTIONinsights” with an overview of products, technologies, organizations, and processes that serve to enhance security. “SOCIETYinsights” looks at how decision makers are finding good ways to address the skills shortage that already exists. “CRISISinsights” features representatives from companies and organizations that have been affected by a cyber incident and successfully survived it, or not. “All organizations will one day face a cyber incident of varying severity. There is no shame in that. The only shame is not being prepared,” Gérald Vernez comments.
Thematic workshops by invitation
Accompanying the main program, experts will discuss hot topics in workshops by invitation. CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) will share their experiences, municipalities are challenged as interface between citizens and state on the topic ” SMARTMUNICIPALITY”. On the second day, a workshop entitled “LAW & POLICY” will focus on politics and legislation (data protection, information security and digital sovereignty).
Under the title “WRAP UP – FUTURE – CONCLUSION”, the two days of CHub 2023 will be reviewed at the end. As visitors cannot be everywhere at the same time and are also expected to visit the numerous booths and the presentations of the “Operational Solutions” of our partners and exhibitors, we summarize all discussions of the two days here. “In addition, we are planning to participate in a closing keynote by an outstanding personality who will remain in the long memory of CHub 2023 for the audience,” Gérald Vernez concludes the program overview.
Create awareness
CHub 2023 in Fribourg will be open to all visitors, with free admission and the content offer now announced to allow the widest possible discussion. The actors of digital mutation in Switzerland are invited to participate in a privileged and neutral place of exchange, debate and discovery, acting as a hub to highlight the problems and offer concrete solutions. “In particular, we expect politicians, large and small companies, experts, researchers and the general public who want to learn how to promote cybersecurity at the national and international level,” explains Gérald Vernez. The presence of digiVolution and the Swiss CyberHub will be extended throughout the year as a long-term and sustainable project: Besides the main event in October, digiVolution already participated in five events in the last four months and more will follow, because cybersecurity in Switzerland will only be increased effectively throughout the year through continuous engagement, and not via short-lived shows.
Thematic seminars the day before
On the day before (DAY ZERO) of CHub 2023, on October 11, four seminars with specialists will take place. At a hackathon, disruptive ideas to strengthen cybersecurity in Switzerland will be found. On the topic of “Awareness”, national key players will be invited to form a community. Police officers will be able to strengthen their understanding of the Dark and Deep Web under the theme “Deep Threat” and physical security companies will be invited to better understand the consequences of the digital dimension in their profession. The results of these seminars will also be presented at the conclusion of CHub 2023 on Friday.
dV-Hub GmbH as organizer
To economically differentiate the Swiss CyberHub from the non-profit foundation digiVolution, the dV-Hub GmbH was founded as CHub organizer and economically responsible institution. It is based on the values of neutrality, trust, sovereignty, resilience, anticipation, and sustainability. The team is composed of people who have been dealing with cyber and digital mutation issues for years. The company’s goal is to make a tangible contribution to a secure and strong Switzerland in the face of the challenges of digital mutation and for a successful digital security industry and ecosystem.