On February 25–26, Lithuanian Cybercrime Center of Excellence for Training, Research and Education(L3CE) hosted the third cycle of trainings titled “Cybercrime, Cyberthreats and Cybersecurity”, developed under the EU funded project EAGLE (www.projecteagle.eu).
Small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the EU are undergoing digital transformation, shifting from traditional business models to technology driven operations. This evolution includes transitioning from local physical shops to e-commerce platforms, adopting various cloud-based systems (e.g. accounting, ERP) and leveraging digital marketing tools to streamline communication and expand outreach to clients around the world.
While digital transformation offers numerous benefits, it also exposes SMEs to a growing array of cyber threats. Despite their resilience and entrepreneurial drive, many SMEs lack the necessary skills, resources, and tools to effectively manage cybersecurity risks. If not properly addressed, these vulnerabilities can lead to serious operational disruptions, significant financial losses, or even force an SME out of business.
In response to this challenge, L3CE developed a training program tailored specifically for SMEs. The course offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving threat landscape, introduces effective mitigation measures and incorporates practical exercises designed to equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills.
Our experience has demonstrated that training alone is not sufficient to fully engage or motivate SMEs to adequately invest in cybersecurity of their operations. Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach, the EAGLE project initiated a strategic partnership with the CYSSME project (www.cyssme.eu) which specializes in offering a wider portfolio of cybersecurity services to SMEs.
The synergy between the two projects creates a powerful, end-to-end support model for SMEs. While EAGLE lays the foundation by raising awareness and building skills through training and practical exercises, CYSSME complements by offering risk assessments, mentoring services, and a portfolio of tools to help SME to close critical security gaps.
CYSSME-EAGLE collaborative approach was successfully piloted during the third cycle of the training program, which attracted 166 SMEs from across the EU. The high number of participants confirmed the relevance of the training, and underscored a clear demand for continued support and services offered by both projects.
However, from a long-term perspective, SMEs require financial resources to implement all measures that will enable them to become sustainable and secure organization. To address this need and assist SMEs in navigating the complex landscape of available funding instruments, the EAGLE established the partnership with Digital Innovation Hube for Central and Western Lithuania https://di4lithuanianid.com that open access to wider portfolio of funding opportunities.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that a variety of EU-funded projects offer significant benefits to SMEs providing a diverse range of tools and resources. However, not all of these initiatives achieve the desired impact, as they often deliver fragmented support, limiting their overall effectiveness for SMEs.
Our example illustrates the value of leveraging synergies across services to create a cohesive ecosystem tailored to the needs of SMEs. By integrating awareness-building, personalized mentoring, and practical tools, alongside facilitating access to funding, such an ecosystem can offer comprehensive and sustained support. This approach ensures SME are equipped not only to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, but also fosters a transformative shift toward a proactive cybersecurity culture
PROJECT CONSORTIUM:
The EAGLE project is run by consortium from Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Spain, representing Academia, Centers of Excellence, Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs and SMEs.
Higher Education Institutions:
•Universidad de Burgos (UBU) (Spain)
•Univerzita Mateja Bela (UMB) (Slovakia)
•Technical University of Ostrava (VSB) (Czech Republic)
•University of Limerick (UL) (Ireland)
•Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Center of Excellence
Lithuanian Cybercrime Center of Excellence for Training, Research & Education (L3CE)
SME
Vernian RTI (Cyprus)
Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs:
•Confederación de Asociaciones Empresariales de Burgos (FAE)
•Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK)
•Skillnet Ireland
•Asociación Digital Innovation Hub Industry 4.0 (DIHBU)
EAGLE has a duration of 36 months, starting from the 1st of January 2023, and a total budget of 2.28 million euros, of which 1.28 million euros funded by the European Union.
More information:
EAGLE website: https://www.projecteagle.eu/
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Contact: info@projecteagle.eu
