STARTING THE YEAR 2026

Author : Michael Landolt - Board member of ISC2 Switzerland

Connect – Impactfully Uniting Cybersecurity

Professionals Across Switzerland

Community Growth & Engagement

Remarkable Membership Growth

Over the past year, our chapter has experienced an unprecedented surge in engagement, with membership growth exceeding 30%. Demand for participation has soared, verified by consistently sold-out events and an expanding pipeline of top-tier speaker proposals and educational sessions already scheduled for 2026

Strategic Educational Partnerships

Collaboration with ETH Zurich & CyberGroup

We forged a strategic alliance with ETH Zurich’s leading Cyber Security master’s program, one of the world’s most prestigious (often compared to U.S. American MIT)—and its ETH-based CyberGroup research network.

This partnership enables:

• Direct mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming cybersecurity
• professionals.
• Jointly hosted events on cutting-edge topics like formal methods,
• cryptography, and network security.
• Facilitated knowledge exchange between students and experienced chapter
• members in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Strategic Educational Partnerships

Collaboration with ETH Zurich & CyberGroup

We forged a strategic alliance with ETH Zurich’s leading Cyber Security master’s program, one of the world’s most prestigious (often compared to U.S. American MIT)—and its ETH-based CyberGroup research network. This partnership enables:

• Direct mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming cybersecurity
• professionals.
• Jointly hosted events on cutting-edge topics like formal methods,
• cryptography, and network security.
• Facilitated knowledge exchange between students and experienced chapter
• members in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Ongoing Engagement with SIGS

We actively collaborate with Switzerland’s highly regarded Security Interest Group (SIGS). Through this alliance, our joint events and forums have amplified our reach across the Swiss cybersecurity ecosystem, attracted both members and industry professionals to high-value forums, and strengthened ISC²’s reputation both nationally and globally, reinforcing trust in our community.

Annual & Social Evenings

2025 marked the debut of our highly praised Social Evenings—casual gatherings in relaxed venues (restaurants, bars), open to both ISC² and non-ISC² professionals. These events fostered organic peer networking and professional bonding, enabled inclusive environments that bridged formal membership boundaries, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, boosting attendance by approximately 40% compared to standard events

Microsoft-Hosted Event

We proudly partnered with Microsoft Switzerland, hosting an exclusive event at their offices—underscoring our strong industry reputation and capacity to engage corporate giants. This collaboration delivered high-impact brand visibility and offered unique access for members to corporate cybersecurity leaders

Events & Participation Metrics

In 2025, the chapter hosted over 8 major events, including partner-led forums, professional learning sessions, Social Evenings, and our annual general meeting —maintaining an average attendance rate of 100+ participants per event.

Strengthened Local and Academic Ties

Through ETH and SIGS collaborations, the chapter connected hundreds of students and professionals, enhancing career development and knowledge transfer. Partnerships with academic and professional institutions have brought valuable CPE credits and content-rich forums to the broader community

Outlook 2026

We enter 2026 with strong momentum: a full calendar of high-caliber speakers secured; increasing collaboration requests from universities, corporate partners, and other security organizations; and an evolving member base eager for engagement and professional growth through ISC² Switzerland.

Conclusion

ISC² Chapter Switzerland has significantly connected cybersecurity practitioners across Switzerland—fostering innovation, strengthening professional bonds, and bridging academia, industry, and community. Our strategic partnerships, event excellence, and sustained growth make us an undeniable frontrunner for this year's Global Chapter Achievement Award. We warmly submit this pitch alongside our Annual Report in support of the 2026 ISC² Global Chapter Achievement Award