Key Takeaways from the 1st NERO Webinar: Empowering SMEs: Cybersecurity Strategies for a Secure Digital Future
31, July, 2024
On July 3, the NERO project hosted its first webinar, focussing on innovative initiatives tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain reshape the digital landscape, SMEs are increasingly exposed to cybersecurity threats that affect their operations, finances, and reputations. To address these challenges, SMEs must continually enhance their security measures.
The webinar, “Empowering SMEs: Cybersecurity Strategies for a Secure Digital Future,” offered valuable insights and solutions to strengthen cybersecurity resilience. It supported SMEs, public entities, cybersecurity providers, researchers, and industry professionals, helping them develop and implement effective cybersecurity strategies. The event featured several peer projects dedicated to safeguarding SMEs from cyber threats and advancing overall cybersecurity awareness and resilience.
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The webinar was opened and moderated by Cristina Mancarella, NERO’s Communication and Dissemination Lead at Trust-IT Services. She introduced the speakers and chaired the panel discussion on tailoring solutions to the needs of SMEs.
NERO is honoured to have Dr. Athanasios Kosmopoulos, Data Protection Officer at the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Greece’s National Representative on the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) Governing Board. Dr. Kosmopoulos addressed the evolving cybersecurity landscape for SMEs, emphasizing their crucial role as key stakeholders in the EU's cybersecurity efforts. He highlighted new regulations, funding initiatives, and support mechanisms designed to help SMEs effectively navigate emerging threats and compliance challenges.
The webinar continued with a session on adopting innovative cybersecurity solutions, offering valuable insights and strategies for boosting resilience and safeguarding digital assets. This segment highlighted solutions from five EC-funded initiatives: NERO, CyberSecPro, CYSSME, Excalibur and smartHEALTH EDIH.
Dr. Charalambos Klitis, R&D Technical Project Manager at eBOS Technologies, presented the overview of the NERO project. NERO aims to enhance cybersecurity across key sectors through integrated frameworks, targeted training, and advanced tools. The project focuses on building a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem, improving sector-specific defences, and fostering a culture of security awareness in healthcare, transportation and logistics, and finance.
Stefan Schauer, Senior Scientist at AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, gave an overview of the CyberSecPro project. This initiative delivers practical, hands-on cybersecurity training by integrating higher education programs with industry needs, focusing on the health, energy, and maritime sectors. Schauer also discussed the development of a comprehensive training program designed to advance cybersecurity skills across Europe.
Ulrich Seldeslachts, CEO at LSEC - Leaders In Security, presented the CYSSME project. This project aims to enhance cybersecurity for SMEs through tailored support, technology, and mentoring. It addresses the specific needs of various sectors and provides practical tools and assessments to improve cybersecurity maturity.
Eduard Paček, Business Development and Partnership Specialist from Excalibur, presented the modern, phone-centric privileged access management (PAM) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions. These solutions simplify security processes while addressing common cybersecurity challenges.
Our final speaker is Dr. Konstantinos Votis, Senior Researcher & Director of Visual Analytics Laboratory, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas / Information Technologies Institute (CERTH/ITI) discussed the smartHEALTH EDIH project. This project focuses on enhancing cybersecurity in Greece's healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive data, improving threat response, and supporting industry stakeholders.
The webinar successfully achieved its objectives by educating and engaging the EU cybersecurity ecosystem on supporting the market uptake of innovative solutions, particularly for SMEs, and disseminating results from publicly funded EU research. It aimed to enhance knowledge and auditing of cybersecurity preparedness while emphasizing the importance of ethical research cooperation to protect private data and achieve a broader impact. NERO will continue to advance this mission through informational materials, training sessions, and additional webinars and events focused on knowledge sharing and expert discussions.
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