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Cybersecurity for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises: Cyber–MSME has been approved!

In September 2020, the Polish Erasmus+ National Agency – INAPP communicated the approval of the Cyber-MSME: Cybersecurity for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises proposal, under the KA2 Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices – Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training.

The economic impact of cybercrime rose fivefold between 2013 and 2017; cybercrime is the fastest-growing form of criminal activity, with companies being the first target with a cost to businesses estimated at $5.2 trillion worldwide by 2025. According to EUROPOL (“Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment” 2018) attacks are directed towards small businesses, that provide the greatest potential profits and the lowest resistance.

In this context, it’s of pivotal importance to empower EU citizens and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to prevent this threat.

Objectives of CYBER-MSME are:

  • bridge the skill gaps identified at EU and national levels for micro and small businesses on cybersecurity
  • develop innovative training to provide new skills and competences to entrepreneurs and staff of MSMEs
  • make it possible for young people to become “cybersecurity experts” and identify new jobs in MSMEs. The profile of cybersecurity expert is in high demand: in 2019, IBM reports that the number of cybersecurity job postings has grown 94%
  • contribute to the competitiveness and growth of EU micro and small businesses by providing more relevant and high-quality training and products to tackle the challenges of cybersecurity and better manage cyber threats

CYBER-MSME will be co-funded by the Erasmus Plus Programme of the European Commission and will be implemented between 2020/22. The project brings together 6 partners from 5 countries (Belgium, Italy, Poland, Romania and Spain).

In the Project, IHF asbl brings its expertise and experience as a key social player in international and European projects. In particular, IHF asbl ensures the “European Dimension” of the Project as it carries out all the technical tasks from a “European Perspective”, i.e. carrying out analysis of relevant EU policies and initiatives; extrapolating EU relevant case studies, lessons learned and best practices.

For further information on CYBER-MSME and other IHF asbl initiatives:

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