More cybersecurity for SMEs – The European SECURE project supports and encourages companies in implementation

Starting this year, European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are receiving support to implement security measures and comply with the requirements of the Cyber ​​Resilience Act (CRA).

From 2025, the European project SECURE (Strengthening EU SMEs Cyber ​​Resilience) aims to sustainably strengthen the cyber resilience of SMEs.

Over a three-year period, 15 million euros are allocated for this objective. Several European countries are participating in the initiative, including Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Romania and Spain.

The project is coordinated by the Italian Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN), which organized the launch event on 21 and 22 January 2025 in Rome. The SECURE consortium promotes close collaboration between the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centres (NCCs) and the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).

This expanded cooperation aims to involve as many actors as possible to help SMEs become more resilient to cybersecurity incidents. Cyber ​​resilience and economic competitiveness Supporting SMEs is not only important for protection against cyber threats, but also for strengthening the European Union’s digital single market. Through dedicated support measures, practical resources and clear guidance, companies receive valuable help to implement security regulations.

This helps both to protect their economic activity and to maintain competitiveness in the market. In this regard, the SECURE project includes a wide range of initiatives, such as:

• Integrating cybersecurity into product and service development processes, thus promoting a “Security-by-Design” culture
• Strengthening SME supply chains for better protection against cyber attacks
• Supporting SMEs in implementing the requirements of the Cyber ​​Resilience Act
• Improving the cyber resilience of SMEs to ensure the protection of economic activity
• Supporting SMEs in adopting sustainable and long-term cybersecurity measures

The President of the Romanian Digitalization Authority, Dragoș-Cristian Vlad, stated: “The SECURE project connects Romania with European partners for a safer digital space. NCC Romania supports SMEs in adapting to the new requirements of the Cyber ​​Resilience Act, facilitating compliance and strengthening cyber infrastructures. I congratulate the NCC RO team and assure everyone involved in this endeavor of my full support in their future work!”

“Cybersecurity is essential for society in this period of digital transformation. Through the SECURE project, SMEs have the chance to access essential expertise and resources to align with the Cyber ​​Resilience Act (CRA). NCC Romania, through collaboration with other European NCCs and cybersecurity partners, such as the Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN), Italy, offers companies guidance in this process, to become safer, more resilient and prepared for the challenges of new technologies”, says Ana Maria Bușoniu, General Manager of NCC Romania.

“SECURE is a remarkable example of effective coordination between the public and private sectors. Our goal is to provide concrete support to the European economy at a crucial time, helping companies comply with the new requirements imposed by the Cyber ​​Resilience Act”, said Bruno Frattasi, General Manager of the Italian National Cyber ​​Security Agency.

SECURE is formed by:
• Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN), Italia
• Naukowa i Akademicka Siec Komputerowa -Panstwowy Instytut Badawczy (NASK), Polonia
• Instituto Nacional de Ciberseguridad (INCIBE), Spania
• Centre Pour La Cybersécurité, Belgia
• Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity (LHC), Luxemburg
• Cyber 4.0 – Centro di Competenza Nazionale per la Cybersecurity, Italia
• IDEA-Re Ideas and Research Hub, Italia
• Centrul Național de Coordonare Cybersecurity (NCC RO), România
• Plattform Industrie 4.0 Österreich, Austria
• TECHHOUSE GmbH, Austria
• Universitatea Tehnică din Viena (TU Wien), Austria
• PROFACTOR GmbH, Austria
• Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Austria
• Virtual Vehicle, Austria