Minister Smyth signs off National Cyber Security Annual Update 2023 and launches €2 million SME Cyber Security Improvement Grant

Grant initiative for SMEs builds on Cyber Security Review Grant offered by Enterprise Ireland

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth, today published the inaugural National Cyber Security Annual Update, an initiative borne out of the public consultation at the Mid-Term point of the National Cyber Security Strategy. The National Cyber Security Annual Update provides a broad overview of the vast work that was carried out across Government in 2023.

The Update contains inputs from the Department, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The compilation of these updates offers a comprehensive outline of the work and developments in Ireland in the realm of cyber security.

This wide-ranging update showcases the vast cyber security work carried out across Ireland, highlighting the Government’s interaction with academia, industry, and society to move the entire country forward while ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace for all. Advances made in skills and capacity building, cyber diplomacy, and cyber security enterprise development are coupled with status reports on cyber incidents in Ireland for the year, the digital regulatory ecosystem, and raising cyber security awareness levels throughout all aspects of Irish society.

Speaking following the publication of the Annual Update, Minister Smyth said:

"I am very pleased today to present the National Cyber Security Annual Update for 2023 to you today. This update comes as a direct response to the public’s calls for more frequent reporting, for greater insight, and transparency into the Government’s efforts in the cyber security arena.

"I would like to recognise the excellent progress that has been made to date in implementing our Strategy across all levels of Government. This tireless work has helped increase Ireland’s resilience to cyber threats. What this Annual Update shows is that the Irish government is committed to protecting the State’s critical infrastructure, developing skills and capacity in civil society, and safeguarding Ireland’s continued digital transition."

To view the National Cyber Security Annual Update 2023, please go to National Cyber Security Annual Update 2023 access the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website.

Cyber Security Improvement Grant for SMEs

Minister Smyth, together with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) also today launched the NCC-IE Cyber Security Improvement Grant for SMEs. This €2 million fund is aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland as they enhance their cybersecurity. The grant provides support to companies to implement priority recommendations from the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review Grant and improve the resilience of Irish businesses against cyber threats.

This new initiative, co-funded by the European Union's Digital Europe Programme, offers companies the financial support they need to strengthen their IT systems, improve operational security, and ensure their long-term protection from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Eligible SMEs can apply for funding of 80% of project costs, with a maximum grant of €60,000, to implement key cybersecurity measures, re-test their systems, and receive expert guidance for future improvements.

Minister Smyth welcomed the grant launch, stating:

"Irish businesses, especially SMEs, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This grant will empower them to take meaningful steps towards securing their operations, which is critical in today’s digital economy. By partnering with the National Cybersecurity Centre and Enterprise Ireland, we are giving companies the tools and resources they need to build stronger defences and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks."

Director of Resilience at the NCSC, Joseph Stephens, added:

"This funding is a strategic investment in the security of Ireland’s growing small businesses. With cyber threats continuing to grow in sophistication, we must ensure that companies have the support to implement robust measures and protect their data, operations, and customers. The Cyber Security Improvement Grant provides practical assistance to strengthen defences and raise cybersecurity standards across the country. The measures we are targeting for improvement align with the obligations of the NIS2 Directive, allowing companies to prepare"

The grant is available to SMEs that have already undertaken the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review and are seeking to implement the recommended improvements. Applications are open until 8 December 2024, with high demand expected.

For further information and to apply, businesses can visit the NCSC website.