Building Cyber-Aware SMEs - Interview with Menno Visscher

As NERO Work Package 5 leader, Menno Visscher from Massive Dynamic Sweden (MDS) is spearheading the development of comprehensive training programmes, which are a crucial component of the NERO cybersecurity project.

Meeting Modern Security Challenges

Menno emphasises the evolving nature of cyber threats, particularly in today's remote working environment:

"Cyber threats are evolving, becoming more sophisticated, and presenting serious risks to businesses. Training is important as it can prepare SMEs against these threats and create a good cybersecurity hygiene level within the company."

Training as a Business Advantage

The project recognises that robust cybersecurity training offers dual benefits:

"This helps to avoid security breaches and all the consequences and can also be leveraged as a business advantage to potential clients, as the company can show proof of a safe business environment."

Innovative Training Tools

NERO is developing multiple cutting-edge solutions to enhance cybersecurity awareness:

• CyberWiser: A learning platform with evaluated courses and quizzes
• Dual Cyber Ranges:
  • One focused on threat detection and response
  • Another specialising in phishing attack prevention
• KIOKU AI: A gamified, scenario-based learning tool

Addressing SME-Specific Challenges

Menno  identifies key barriers and NERO's solutions:

"A few of the challenges for SMEs are that they may lack awareness, and even if they don't, they might struggle with finding the tools that match their needs. [...] In NERO these difficulties are tackled by guiding SMEs in finding the training tools in the Marketplace that match the needs of their company."

Sector-Specific Approach

The project emphasises tailored solutions, as Menno explains:

"Many available tools are more general and are not tailored to specific sectors. In NERO they can be certain that these trainings are tailored to their specific sector and and are state-of-the-art based on the most recent literature."

Through these comprehensive training initiatives, NERO aims to create a more resilient SME community, equipped with the knowledge and tools to face modern cybersecurity challenges.

Watch the Full Video Interview

Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep up-to-date with NERO's latest updates and events.