A NEW grant to help improve the cyber security of small firms has been announced by Government.

The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth said the fund, worth €2m, will provide support to companies to implement priority recommendations from a new Enterprise Ireland-led cyber security review.

It will also improve the resilience of Irish businesses against cyber threats.

The 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 small firms can apply for funding of up to 80% of the 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.

Mr Smyth said: “Irish businesses, especially small to medium sized enterprises 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 National Cyber Security Centre 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 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 small firms which have already undertaken the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review and are seeking to implement the recommended improvements.

Applications are open until December 8 next.

For further information and to apply, visit www.ncsc.gov.ie. Alternatively, telephone the centre at 01 -6782333.