Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Everyday Devices Highlighted by EPFL Research

• •Over 27,000 cyber fraud reports in Switzerland in 2026's first half.
• •Complexity of smartphone apps makes complete security unattainable.
• •Basic precautions can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Prof. Mathias Payer from EPFL's HexHive research group discusses the cybersecurity weaknesses in everyday devices, emphasizing that activities like ordering meals or checking bank accounts can be entry points for cyber attacks. In the first half of 2026, Switzerland's Federal Office for Cybersecurity received over 27,000 voluntary reports of fraud attempts, which are increasingly sophisticated due to AI. While complete security is unattainable due to the complexity of systems, basic precautions can mitigate many risks. Smartphones, which can contain up to 100 million lines of code, are particularly vulnerable due to their complex interactions. Although today's phones have robust protections, they are not impenetrable, especially against determined attackers. The article stresses the importance of quickly addressing easily exploitable vulnerabilities to deter hackers.