On September 2 2024, the subsidy scheme ‘Mijn Cyberweerbare Zaak’ will reopen. Micro and small businesses can once again apply for a subsidy to purchase and implement essential cybersecurity measures. This year, the Digital Trust Center (DTC) is making €1,000,000 available to help reduce financial barriers. Small businesses often face challenges when trying to implement basic protections against cyberattacks.
Cyber resilience in small businesses
Many small businesses lag in their cybersecurity efforts, failing to take adequate basic measures. The gap between threats and the actions taken to address them is highlighted by the Cybersecurity Monitor from CBS and the Cyber Security Council. The CyberVeilig Check for self-employed and small businesses shows that antivirus software (76%), backups (74%), and phishing detection (68%) are among the most commonly adopted measures. Nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs completed the cyberscan, revealing that the level of cybersecurity measures varies by sector.
Applying for the subsidy
The DTC encourages small businesses to improve their cybersecurity through practical advice, self-assessments, and stories from entrepreneurs who have been affected by cyberattacks. However, this doesn’t always lead to action. An evaluation of the ‘Mijn Cyberweerbare Zaak’ pilot in 2023 showed that financial incentives motivate companies to take cybersecurity measures more quickly. As a result, the DTC is offering a larger subsidy budget this year.
The subsidy is available for self-employed individuals and small businesses with up to 50 employees and an annual turnover of up to €10 million. Eligible measures include secure network access, password management, two-factor authentication, patch management, antivirus software, backups, risk assessments, and cyber awareness training. The subsidy covers 50% of the costs for purchase or implementation, with a maximum of €1,250 per applicant. The available budget will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The subsidy application process involves three steps: first, assess your company’s cybersecurity with the CyberVeilig Check; next, purchase eligible products or services from the action list; and finally, apply for the subsidy by uploading the action list and invoice to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Michel Verhagen, manager at DTC, stresses that many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe they are not targets, but cybersecurity is essential. He urges small business owners to take action and reduce the risk of a cyberattack with a few simple measures.
