Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet partners with Mastercard and Global Cyber Alliance to provide cybersecurity toolkit for small businesses in Ireland

18th April 2024

Partnership will help upskill and protect Irish small businesses from cyber fraud through free training resources and tools.

Tackling the Threat of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is the number one threat in terms of financial crime in Ireland. This is particularly true for small businesses, one in three of which in Ireland fell victim to cybercrime between May 2021 and April 2022, according to data from Grant Thornton.

Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in a bid to help tackle this critical issue, have partnered with Mastercard to rollout the Global Cyber Alliance’s (GCA) Cybersecurity Toolkit, which provides small businesses with free tools and resources to reduce their cyber risk and increase their resistance to cyber-attacks.

About the Global Cyber Alliance Cybersecurity Toolkit

The GCA toolkit, which has been available for over five years, gives small businesses an additional layer of protection against cyber threats and the risks they pose by providing them with free tools and resources focused on the implementation of essential cyber hygiene including strong passwords, 2FA, as well as tools to help protect against phishing, malware and more.

By adding the GCA Toolkit to its existing library of over thirty accredited courses, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet will help upskill small business owners who are most at risk from cybercrime and fraud, all totally for free.

Dave Feenan Announcing the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit

Announcing the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit

To announce the partnership, Mastercard, the Global Cyber Alliance and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet hosted Neale Richmond TD at Mastercard’s offices for a roundtable discussion. The event focused on discussions around the cyber challenges small businesses are facing, as well as how more support can be provided to ensure Ireland’s small and medium-sized businesses have access to the training and resources they need.

Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance said: “Cybersecurity is a challenge for small and medium businesses, particularly those at the beginning of their digitalisation journey. That SMEs can avail of a support such as the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for free -which will help them to significantly reduce their risk of cyberattack – is hugely welcome. It is through training and education that cyber resilience will be built among our SMEs, so I would encourage any new or small businesses to avail of these supports.”

Dave Feenan, Network Director, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, said: “Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet is proud to announce our partnership with Mastercard and Global Cyber Alliance in bringing the GCA Toolkit to small businesses. In this digital decade, lifelong learning is not just a necessity but a cornerstone for progress and security. This collaboration underscores our commitment to enhancing cyber awareness and hygiene among small businesses, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape confidently and future-proof their operations against evolving cyber risks. Together, we are taking a significant step forward in building a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem for small businesses everywhere.”

Danielle Maloney, Country Manager for Ireland, Mastercard, said: “Cybercrime represents a significant threat for Ireland’s small businesses. These businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, and we are proud that the GCA cybersecurity toolkit will be made available to Irish businesses for the first time. We know how much technology can help small businesses thrive, and the power of partnerships like this in bringing training and resources to the widest audience possible.”

Gavin Henderson, Vice President, Regional Security, Mastercard said: “This is an excellent example of the importance of public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime and helping upskill society. We are delighted to play our part in this through this partnership.”

Gill Thomas, Director of Engagement, Capacity & Resilience Program, Global Cyber Alliance added: “We are delighted that our small business toolkit is now accessible via Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. The toolkit is a vital resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs, who, by implementing the cyber hygiene measures provided in the toolkit, will be able to significantly reduce their risk of ransomware and cyber-attack.”


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