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DTI key project Secure Data Network Plus (SDN+)

Federal Office for Civil Protection

Key facts

The Secure Data Network Plus (SDN+) project aims to create the basis for broadband data communication between ICT systems used in civil protection by the end of 2027. It is part of the national “Secure Data Network System” (NSDS) project, which includes three other projects and was proposed by the Federal Council in its dispatch on the guarantee credit of 21 November 2018.

Federal units, cantons and critical infrastructure operators are to be networked as users. The network should be able to function autonomously for up to two weeks, even in the event of a prolonged crisis situation. Implementation should be based as far as possible on existing infrastructure, in particular the Swiss management network. At present, the project has budgeted costs totalling CHF 133.9 million. It is categorised as both a key project for the Confederation and a top project for the DDPS.

The aim of the audit was to assess the project and the project risks in achieving the objectives, particularly in relation to project management. The audit showed that the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) has been successful in moving this important dossier forward since 2021. This was possible because the FOCP prioritised SDN+. The task now is to bring together the various strands of the NSDS complex in order to achieve the overall objectives set out in the dispatch: further effort is required in this regard from both the FOCP and Cyber Command. In particular, it is questionable whether the milestone of connecting all cantons by the end of 2024 will be met and whether the cost estimate is comprehensive.