Interview

Andreas Hölzli

SISA was able to build on Andreas Hölzli’s expertise as a SISA Board Member and many years at its Treasurer, benefiting from his wealth of expertise. In September, he retired, relinquishing his two positions. In this interview, we bid him farewell.

You worked as Head of the Cyber Risk Competence Centre at la Mobilière and just recently retired – what was the main focus of your work?

Six years ago, I introduced cyber insurance for enterprises at la Mobilière, with the mandate to offer customers optimal protection in the digital world as well. Cyber insurance has developed steadily over the past few years and has gradually been enhanced with preventive services.
I was also an ambassador for la Mobilière on cybersecurity. My mandate was to constantly raise awareness and educate the various stakeholder groups about cyber risks and motivate them to adjust their behaviour.

You were a SISA Board Member for many years and also served as Treasurer: What made you decide to become part of SISA and the Board? What was your motivation?

SISA and la Mobilière pursue the same mission when it comes to cybersecurity, so it was the perfect match right from the start. I was especially impressed by the cohesion of the members: renowned companies and the public sector working hand in hand to make Switzerland the most secure internet country in the world. I enjoyed being part of this community and learned a lot: for example, that changing behaviour takes a lot of time. Everyone knows how great online threats are, and yet too little preventive action is taken. SISA will never run out of work, but as the saying goes: constant dripping wears away the stone…

Were there any turning points or success stories in the history of SISA that you fondly recall today?

Yes, that was the launch of iBarry’s new look. I think the platform for internet security is a great success: clearly structured, using simple, understandable language. I especially like the helpful toolbox with tools and information that help everyone to find their way through the jungle of this com-plex topic.

A new phase in your life is beginning – which creates more time for yourself: Where will we find Andreas in future, if not in the office?

I missed out on travel during my active professional life, so I’m looking forward to spending more time in the big, wide, non-virtual world. As a person eager for knowledge, I already have one or two things in mind I’d like to delve into as well. I certainly won’t be bored…