A significant risk is posed by cyber-attacks on SMEs, which can have far-reaching consequences for them and their supply chain partners. Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is critical for SMEs to protect themselves and their customers from significant financial damage, unintended business downtime, and reputational harm. Some studies, initiatives, strategies, and guides already exist to address cybersecurity, cyber resilience, and cyber hygiene in businesses. However, a cybersecurity guideline tailored to the specific needs of Austrian SMEs is missing.
Drawing on existing knowledge from the literature, our online survey results, and conducted interviews, a guideline for SMEs to improve cybersecurity, cyber hygiene, and cyber resilience is developed. The special novelty of CyberGuide lies in the increased comprehensibility of the guideline so that even people who are not experts in the field of cybersecurity can easily implement it. Furthermore, for existing regulations, such as NIS2, the content relevant to SMEs is identified and clearly elaborated. Based on the surveyed needs, requirements, and capabilities of Austrian SMEs, fields of action and recommendations for the public authorities will be developed.
The consortium of Brimatech and Silicon Austria Labs forms an optimal combination for a successful needs analysis on the topic of cybersecurity of Austrian SMEs, as the technical expertise in the field of cybersecurity by SAL is coupled with the experience in strategic-political matters and market research competence of Brimatech. The CyberGuide project promotes a strong and resilient SME economy, which provides both growth and employment and ultimately makes Austria more attractive as a business location.
Project lead:
Mag. Johanna Berndorfer, BRIMATECH Services GmbH
Project partner:
SAL - Silicon Austria Labs
Contact:
Johanna Berndorfer
BRIMATECH Services GmbH
A-1030 Wien, Lothringerstr. 14/3
+43 664 9689424
jb(at)brimatech.at
www.brimatech.at
