The Swiss intelligence chief Jean-Philippe Gaudin (left) is concerned about increasing cyberattacks to influence elections in several countries.
Keystone
Defence Minister Guy Parmelin says Russian spy activity against sensitive infrastructure in Switzerland has reached intolerable levels.
He said cyberattacks and espionage were the main security threats to Switzerland’s sovereignty.
Parmelin made the statement during a news conference on Friday with the head of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS), Jean-Philippe Gaudin who took up his post just over three months ago.
The Swiss authorities believe that two Russian spies targeted a Swiss chemical weapons testing facility outside the capital, Bern. Prosecutors are also investigating a cyberattack against the offices of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Lausanne.
However, neither Parmelin nor Gaudin gave further details.
Last month, the FIS said it had worked with British and Dutch counterparts to foil a Russian plot which allegedly targeted a laboratory in Spiez that tests nerve agents such as Novichok, used in an attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in England last March.
Gaudin expressed his surprise at the information policy of the Dutch intelligence service in the case, saying the Swiss authorities preferred more discretion.
He said an amended law, in force since September 2017, giving the intelligence service increased powers, notably monitoring cyberspace activities, had made it possible to uncover the Russian activities.
The Swiss authorities have set up a working group to prevent possible attempts to manipulate and influence the 2019 parliamentary elections in Switzerland.
More
More
Switzerland boosts cyber defences as attacks escalate
This content was published on
How can Switzerland protect itself against cybercrime? One radical idea involves rewiring obsolete internet functions.
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
‘One million stars’ against poverty light up Swiss parliament square
This content was published on
Swiss charity Caritas lit thousands of candles on parliament square in Bern on Saturday evening to mark the "A Million Stars" solidarity campaign, a reminder that many people in Switzerland still live in poverty.
This content was published on
The Eurovision Song Contest shows are in high demand, with the result that profiteers are hoping to make a quick franc by buying up lots of tickets.
Former Swiss finance minister slams report on Credit Suisse collapse
This content was published on
Former Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer has criticised a parliamentary report on UBS's takeover of Credit Suisse, rejecting accusations that he hid the seriousness of the situation from the government.
This content was published on
Researchers in Zurich have developed an electricity-free dehumidifier. It is a building element that allows walls and ceilings to absorb moisture from the air and store it temporarily.
Swiss man found dead in Iranian prison had allegedly collected soil samples
This content was published on
The Swiss man who died in an Iranian prison is said to have secretly taken soil samples beforehand, according to Iranian media.
This content was published on
Hackers have attacked the Swiss federal administration. Among other things, telephones, email and various federal websites and specialist applications were affected.
More and more Swiss celebrities and institutions leaving X
This content was published on
The short messaging service X has also lost its reputation in Switzerland. More and more personalities and institutions are turning their backs on tech billionaire Elon Musk's platform.
Driver going wrong way causes accident in Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
A 76-year-old driver going in the wrong direction caused a head-on collision on the A2 motorway in canton Uri on Friday. Five people were injured.
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.
Read more
More
One in four Russian diplomats in Switzerland is a spy, report claims
This content was published on
A report compiled for the Swiss government says that one out of every four Russian diplomats based in Switzerland is a spy, Swiss papers claim.
Russian spying ‘beyond normal levels’, says Swiss foreign minister
This content was published on
Following reports about Russian spying in Switzerland, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said he will raise the issue with Sergey Lavrov.
This content was published on
West ratchets up pressure amid determination to expose Moscow intelligence agency. Switzerland is also linked to the Russian spying controversy.
Swiss close investigation into cyber attack on defence firm
This content was published on
The Attorney General opened an investigation two years ago on the grounds of economic espionage carried out against the Swiss aerospace and defence group RuagExternal link. The hack first took place in December 2014 and the intelligence services responded in January 2016 following a tip from abroad. The authorities insisted it did not involve information…
Government reacts to criticism of ‘utility’ of spy Daniel M.
This content was published on
The controversial mission of the Swiss spy was carried out to fulfil a pressing need, the government has said in response to a committee report.
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.