Summary
The State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) is modernizing its personnel security screening through digitalization and process optimization. The Internal Audit VBS confirms a solid foundation and recommends targeted improvements to be implemented by the end of 2026. The goal is to reduce processing times, standardize foreign inquiries, and improve control functions.
Persons
- Head of VBS (Client for implementation)
Topics
- Digitalization of security processes
- Information security
- Administrative reforms
- Personnel security screening (PSS)
Clarus Lead
SEPOS is improving its personnel security screening through a comprehensive modernization program. The Internal Audit VBS has identified strengths and optimization potential that are now being systematically addressed. Core measures include replacing the SIBAD information system with an automated successor system, standardizing foreign inquiries, and training employees. This further development contributes directly to Switzerland's internal and external security.
Detailed Summary
The Personnel Security Screening unit at the State Secretariat for Security Policy has initiated an optimization program based on audit recommendations. The current SIBAD system is assessed as robust and functional, but has weaknesses: manual entries and media breaks extend processing times. A newly designed successor system is intended to remedy these inefficiencies through increased automation and enable integrated reporting and controlling mechanisms.
In parallel, the handling of personnel security screening for stays abroad has been standardized and simplified to reduce administrative effort. However, several recommendations require adjustments to the legal framework – particularly the Information Security Act (ISA) and the Ordinance on Personnel Security Screening (OPSS). At the next revision, more flexible adjustment of function lists and the connection of new registers will be examined.
Another focus is on training and awareness-raising: The unit is developing training videos for initiating and deciding bodies to clarify roles, responsibilities, and the importance of personnel security screening. The Head of VBS has instructed SEPOS to implement all recommendations by the end of 2026.
Key Messages
- Digitalization and Process Optimization: Replacement of SIBAD with an automated successor system to reduce processing times and media breaks
- Foreign Standardization: Standardized and simplified handling of personnel security screening for stays abroad
- Legal Adjustments: Revision of the ISA and OPSS to provide flexibility in function lists and integration of new registers
- Employee Training: Development of training videos to raise awareness and clarify roles and responsibilities
- Implementation Deadline: All recommendations are to be implemented by the end of 2026
Critical Questions
Data Quality: What specific metrics demonstrate that existing processes are actually inefficient (e.g., average processing times, error rates)? The audit report provides no concrete figures.
Resource Allocation: Are budgetary and personnel resources for system replacement and training measures secured by the end of 2026, or is there implementation risk?
Causality: Will purely technical automation actually improve security quality, or is there a risk that faster processes lead to more superficial screening?
Conflicts of Interest: Who benefits from accelerated screening – are efficiency incentives potentially in conflict with security objectives?
Implementation Risks: What pitfalls emerged from previous system migrations in federal administration, and how are these being avoided?
Legal Flexibility: What are the implications of the planned "further flexibility" of function lists for the stringency of security screening?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Further Developments in Personnel Security Screening – news.admin.ch, 16 March 2026
Verification Status: ✓ 16 March 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 16 March 2026