Brief description

In an era where the digital landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, ensuring robust cybersecurity has become essential. The advaNced cybErsecurity awaReness ecOsystem for SMEs (NERO) is dedicated to fostering the adoption of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions within the European market. Our primary objective is to fortify cybersecurity preparedness, with a special emphasis on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and public organisations, while leveraging the outcomes of publicly funded research in the European Union.

NERO catalyses the adoption of innovative cybersecurity solutions, blending awareness training and state-of-the-art tools to strengthen European cybersecurity. We go beyond protection, empowering organisations to proactively respond to dynamic cyber threats. Through tailored awareness training, we highlight the importance of cybersecurity, showcasing hands-on demonstrations to instil confidence and drive widespread adoption.

Duration:
Dec 2023 to Dec 2025 Ongoing
Type:
Cybersecurity

Our role

Within NERO, Trust-IT leverages its extensive experience in communication, community building, and event coordination. With an in-depth understanding of daily cybersecurity challenges for SMEs, Trust-IT has successfully managed complex EC-funded projects such as cyberwatching.eu, CYBERWISER.eu, and PANACEA. This proficiency and proven project coordination underscore our capability to navigate and lead in the cybersecurity domain, demonstrating a commitment to maximising impact and raising awareness for EU SMEs.

In NERO, Trust-IT takes the lead in Work Package 7 (WP7) "Dissemination, Exploitation, and Promotion". Their responsibilities encompass identifying key stakeholder groups, determining optimal channels for targeted dissemination, promoting project results through content-rich communication campaigns, organising workshops and webinars, and participating in external events.

Trust-IT also leads Task 3.2, focusing on evaluating cybersecurity tools' readiness for identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery. Utilising the cyberwatching.eu MTRL methodology, we assess Market and Technology Readiness Levels, taking into account technical aspects, user perspectives, usability, and commercial implications. Data on user experience informs a user-centric approach, integral to shaping the T7.3 Exploitation.

Impact

NERO's core mission is to deliver tangible impacts, actively fostering a security-first culture, mitigating cyber threats, and fortifying overall cybersecurity resilience. This commitment is realised through an advanced Cybersecurity Ecosystem comprising five key frameworks:

  • Implementation of a Cybersecurity Awareness program to instill a security-first culture.
  • Tailoring solutions for SMEs through the provision of a Cyber Immunity Toolkit Repository.
  • Delivery of a Cyber Resilience Program and Gamified Cyber Awareness Training.
  • Provision of a user-friendly Marketplace, ensuring easy access to essential cybersecurity resources.
  • Validation through practical use cases:
    • Enhancing Patient Data Security in Healthcare.
    • Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience in Transportation and Logistics.
    • Enhancing Financial Security in specific scenarios.

These impactful initiatives collectively empower organisations by addressing cybersecurity challenges and promoting a proactive and resilient security posture.

Onboarding your target communities to ensure uptake of research solutions requires a structured approach, deep analytical skills and the design and implementation of communication and engagement plans made up of a mix of techniques and tools.

If you need to identify and build the perfect audience for your research activity and boost your community, contact us, we’ll be happy to help.

Contact us today!


Acknowledgements

NERO has received funding from the EU’s Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) under Grant Agreement no. 101127411.