Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a multitude of new possibilities and is currently employed in many capacities throughout industry, administration, and society. Simultaneously, AI is advancing swiftly and is already attaining skills that experts had not anticipated for another five to ten years. This phenomenon has particular significance in the domain of cybersecurity.

In response to Postulate 23.3861 by National Councillor Gerhard Andrey, the Federal Council has adopted on 12 December 2025 a Report on the influence of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity in which the Federal Council delineates the impact of AI on cybersecurity as stated in its press release. According to the report, AI is employed in both defensive and offensive operations. Examples of the latter encompass phishing campaigns, which may be easily created in several languages and directed at certain industries, nations, or persons and companies, alongside adaptable attack methodologies that evade conventional security measures. The report’s analysis suggests that both the frequency and severity of attacks are likely to escalate.

The report also states that AI does not fundamentally alter cybersecurity but rather accelerates existing advancements and that AI might evidently diminish the barrier for cyber-attacks. Consequently, attacks might be executed with reduced expertise and in a shorter duration. Simultaneously, AI would create substantial opportunities in cybersecurity, e.g. by assisting overburdened security teams by enhancing conventional cybersecurity protocols and facilitating innovative defence techniques. Furthermore, AI could markedly enhance the prompt detection of attacks or the recognition of vulnerabilities, hence fortifying overall defence capabilities.