National Cyberstrategy (NCS)
M9 Attribution
Description
Attribution means identifying the perpetrators of attacks as precisely as possible. It
plays an important role in determining what further action is taken. The Swiss
authorities must be able to attribute cyberattacks directed against Switzerland with
security policy implications (whether cyberattacks on Swiss targets or the misuse
of Swiss infrastructure for attacks abroad). Attribution is the basis for the
formulation of political and legal options for action.
Background and
need for action
Overview of measure
To be able to hold the perpetrators of a cyberattack accountable, they must first be
identified. This is a major challenge in cyberspace as the perpetrators are not
physically present at the site of the attack. Identification is only successful if attacks
are detected in time and their technical, operational and strategic context can be
analysed.
The attribution of cyberattacks is a task of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
To fulfil this task, it needs information from its own investigations, but is also reliant
on cooperation with other federal units and intelligence sharing with partner
services. This has to be regulated.
The attribution of cyberattacks is important for political leaders to be able to assess
the threat situation. This includes assessing whether an action can be attributed
under international law and what possible responses are permitted under
international law. It is also the prerequisite for decisions on technical, political or
penal measures.
Key
actors
Priorities
-
Examining and supplementing the legal foundations for the analysis of
cyberattacks on Switzerland.
Cooperation between the FIS and other federal units.
Expanding the FIS's capabilities for analysing cyberattacks with security policy
implications.
Definition of strategic priorities: It must be determined which attacks are to be
analysed in depth.
Confederation: FIS, FDFA, fedpol, NCSC GS DDPS
Cantons: cantonal police corps, NEDIK
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