Enterprise Ireland Launches Cyber Security Review Grant for SMEs

Posted: September 26th

Author: Microwarehouse

Tags: cybersecurity, enterprise ireland, grant, msp, watchguard

RTE news reports that in a significant move to bolster cybersecurity measures for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Enterprise Ireland, in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has introduced the Cyber Security Review Grant. This initiative offers grants of up to €3,000 to assist SMEs in evaluating and enhancing their online security protocols to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.

Grant Details and Implementation
The grant program, funded through the European Union’s NextGenerationEU instrument, draws from an €85 million allocation to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. It aims to provide Enterprise Ireland clients with access to cybersecurity experts who will conduct comprehensive, independent reviews of companies’ current cybersecurity status.
These reviews will encompass several key areas:

Identification of vulnerabilities in existing systems
Development of a tailored roadmap for enhancing security measures
Examination of current company practices
Technical review of both on-site and cloud software implementations

Upon completion of the review, businesses will receive a detailed report aligned with the National Cyber Security Centre’s best practices. This report will outline actionable steps for improving the company’s cybersecurity posture. As it’s early days, the finer details are slim but from an MSP perspective, it has got us wondering:

What are the qualifications required for an MSP to be considered a “qualified, external cyber security expert” for this program?
Is there an application or vetting process for MSPs to join the program as service providers?
How will Enterprise Ireland match SMEs with cybersecurity experts? Will there be a marketplace or directory?

Watch this space, but in the meantime, if you are interested in growing your revenue in the security space, why not register for our upcoming WatchGuard webinar next Wednesday?