University of Applied Sciences for Computer Science - Hacking for Security: The New Security Lab at FHNW
27.03.2026 | from University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switze
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27.03.2026, Cyberattacks are increasingly becoming a problem - for private users, but also for SMEs and large corporations. With the opening of the Security Lab, the University of Applied Sciences for Computer Science FHNW is committed to ensuring that such attacks are less successful. The lab allows for the simulation of complex attack scenarios, testing of defense mechanisms, and targeted transfer of the latest research findings to meet the needs of Swiss companies.
Absolute security is an illusion. With the increasing digitalization of the economy, the question is not whether an attack will occur, but how resilient a company can respond to it. Led by Prof. Dr. Christopher Scherb and Dr. Martin Gwerder, the new Security Lab creates a highly specialized platform for applied research, knowledge transfer, and the training of future security professionals. The team is based at the FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch and, from August 2026, will also operate at the new FHNW Campus Dreispitz in Basel.
"Our goal is to find vulnerabilities before attackers do. This requires research under realistic conditions – with real attacks on real systems. We pass this knowledge directly to students and business partners so that they can build and operate the systems of tomorrow securely from the start. The Security Lab is the environment that makes this possible," says Prof. Dr. Christopher Scherb, Co-Head of the Security Lab.
Simulating attacks live: High- tech infrastructure for practice
The Security Lab is designed to realistically depict the complexity of modern IT threats. It features both specialized and versatile infrastructures, which are also used in teaching. The lab integrates OT, IoT, IIoT, and smart home components, which are deliberately exposed to current attack scenarios to test their security. This creates a competence center that supports the industry in practical building and integration of modern and secure systems.
Close integration with education and industry
The Security Lab is not just a research center, but also an integral part of the computer science education. Students of the Bachelor's program "Security, Platforms & DevOps" and the Master's profile "Information and Cybersecurity" apply current research knowledge to practice here: They develop productive applications and operate them under real conditions. Through collaboration with partners and the technology transfer office fitt.ch, expertise is directly transferred to regional companies.
With the Security Lab, the FHNW strengthens its position as a leading institution in IT security – ensuring that the professionals of tomorrow are ready for the challenges of a connected world.
https://www.fhnw.ch/de/informatik/forschung-dienstleistungen/forschung/felder/itsec
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University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
School of Computer Science
Christian Weber
Head of Operations FHNW
T +41 56 202 78 37
christianpeter.weber@fhnw.ch
The FHNW School of Computer Science
The FHNW School of Computer Science at the Brugg-Windisch location boasts three institutes and over 150 experts. It offers flexible study models with personal support and strong industry partnerships, providing extensive and in-depth expertise in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, digitalization, security, and other fields. In application-oriented research and development, it cooperates with companies in developing innovative products and projects.
For more information, visit www.fhnw.ch/hsi
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
FHNW
Dominik Lehmann
Head of Communications FHNW
Bahnhofstrasse 6
5210 Windisch
T +41 56 202 77 28
dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch
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University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switze
The University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW encompasses ten universities with fields in Applied Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Design and Art, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Music, Teacher Education, Social Work, Engineering, and Business. The FHNW campuses are located in the four sponsoring cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel- Stadt, and Solothurn.
Around 14,500 students are enrolled at FHNW. Over 1,300 lecturers convey practical and market-oriented knowledge in 34 bachelor's and 24 master's programs, as well as in numerous continuing education offerings. The graduates of FHNW are sought-after professionals.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switze, Press release
Original article published on: Hochschule für Informatik - Hacken für die Sicherheit: Das neue Security Lab der FHNW