Big companies back new CyberPeace Institute in Geneva
The institute works to assist those who cannot defend themselves in the face of cyber attacks and promote a more secure online world.
Keystone / Sascha Steinbach
Microsoft and Mastercard are among the big companies behind the CyberPeace Institute launched in Geneva on Thursday. The non-profit institute seeks to help people negatively affected by conflicts in cyberspace.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jdp
The launch of the institute was announced on Thursday and reinforces Geneva’s position as a hub on cybersecurity and governance of new technologies. Strong government support and availability of experts helped Geneva beat out other cities in the running to host the institute.
The institute will be an independent non-governmental organisation with key functions including assisting the most vulnerable victims of cyberattacks, assessing the harm, and promoting responsible behaviour in cyberspace.
In a press releaseExternal link, CEO of the institute Stéphane Duguin, formerly at Europol, said, “The global disruptions from cyberattacks are the symptoms of an insidious threat targeting civilians at a time of peace.”
Among the companies funding the institute, Microsoft has been working towards a Digital Geneva ConventionExternal link, a legally binding framework to govern states’ behaviour in cyberspace and prevent negative impacts of new technologies.
Swiss efforts
Switzerland has been boosting its capabilities in cyber security over the last few years. The government recently established the Geneva Science and Diplomacy AnticipatorExternal link foundation with the local Geneva government to promote links between science, innovation and diplomacy.
The country’s two federal technology institutes also launched a new Masters degree in cyber-security this past spring as part of an effort to play a leading role in studying the protection of computers and networks.
Switzerland will be bringing its academic expertise to the institute. Martin Vetterli, president of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), will sit on the Executive Board of the Institute, and the EPFL Center for Digital Trust is named as a scientific partner of the CyberPeace Institute.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
Heavy snowfall in Switzerland causes traffic chaos and accidents
This content was published on
The heavy snowfall late on Thursday and during the night into Friday led to traffic chaos and many accidents in many regions of Switzerland.
Chimpanzee behaviours passed down through generations
This content was published on
Some of the complex behaviours of chimpanzees have been passed down and refined over generations. These include the combination of several tools for foraging.
More than 600,000 rounds of Swiss sniper ammunition reach Ukraine
This content was published on
Sniper ammunition from Swiss P Defence reached Ukraine via a Polish company in July 2023, reported SRF Investigativ on Thursday, citing official information.
Switzerland launches national digital inclusion alliance
This content was published on
The Swiss government launched the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance on Thursday with the goal of giving as many people as possible access to digital services.
Swiss court recognises obesity as a disability under certain conditions
This content was published on
People suffering from obesity are now entitled to social benefits under certain conditions, following a ruling by the Federal Court.
Environment minister outlines Swiss efforts to limit global warming
This content was published on
Switzerland will do its part to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius, said Environment Minister Albert Rösti, who's attending COP29 in Baku.
Swiss president highlights digital responsibility in New York
This content was published on
Speaking in front of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Ueli Maurer described the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions as “compasses of values” in the digital age.
Government reinforces critical infrastructure against cyber attacks
This content was published on
In the wake of several major cyber security attacks, the government released minimum standards to protect the country’s critical infrastructure.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.