On 27 September, the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) hosted its second “SME Policy Briefs” webinar, aiming to inform Member start-ups and SMEs of the Cyber Solidarity Act and its implications. The session provided an overview of the legislation, providing key information and highlighting how SMEs can use the legislation to their advantage and leverage their businesses. Ultimately, the session further solidified ECSO’s role in providing European start-ups and SMEs the support they need to flourish and, consequently, be able to secure Europe.

As part of ECSO’s commitment to keep its Members informed and empowered in the dynamic field of cybersecurity legislation, ECSO organised its second SME Policy Briefs virtual discussion on 27 September. Because SMEs often have fewer resources to find reliable and updated information on all the developments in the cybersecurity regulation landscape, the session was specifically directed at ECSO’s Members that are start-ups and SMEs, offering them an intimate setting to gain all the latest information on the Cyber Solidarity Act.

Keynote speaker Francesco Bordone (Manager of Cybersecurity Policies, ECSO) provided a thorough overview of the Cyber Solidarity Act by providing critical background information on- and sharing the key points of the act. This included shining light on the three pillars of the legislation:

• The European Cyber Shield: with aim to create a European network of Security Operation Centres (SOCs) that collect, analyse and share information on cyber threats at the EU level

• The EU Cyber Reserve: envisaged as consisting of companies that provide technical support in case of large-scale cyberattacks in the EU

• The Cybersecurity Incident Review Mechanism: would be appointed to review and assess the impact of cyberattacks by sharing intelligence between the European Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the CSIRT network and CyCLONe.

Mr Bordone further emphasised the business opportunities that the Act creates for European companies. For example, SMEs providing the technology that the planned SOCs will need to accomplish their objectives should look at the legislation as an opportunity to get their product into widespread use. The EU Cyber Reserve was also noted as an excellent opportunity for companies to expand their reach.

Overall, such online forums allow ECSO Members to gain in-depth insights and present questions directly to policy experts who can help them navigate legislative complexities. By organising them, ECSO aims to fulfil its larger goal of supporting small European cybersecurity providers in the ever-changing cybersecurity policy environment by keeping them engaged in critical policy developments.