ContextThe economic impact of cybercrime rose fivefold between 2013 and 2017; cybercrime is the fastest-growing form of criminal activity, with companies being the first target with a cost to businesses estimated at $5.2 trillion worldwide by 2025 (Accenture, “Cost of Cyber Crime Study”, 2019)According to EUROPOL (“Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment” 2018) attacks are directed towards small businesses, that provide the greatest potential profits and the lowest resistance.EUROPOL reports that “58% of victims are small businesses”. Despite this high vulnerability, only 14% of Micro/Small & Medium Enterprises are prepared to tackle cyber threats (“State of Cybersecurity in Small & Medium Size Businesses” Keeper, 2018).Another industry report (“SME Cyberthreat Study”, Keeper, 2019) confirms that MSMEs are neither aware of cyber-risks nor ready: 66% of senior decision-makers at small businesses believe they are unlikely to be a target of online criminals. Similarly, 60% MSMEs have no digital defence plan whatsoever.NeedsOfficial policy papers and reports of the EU Commission highlight the pressing need to equip micro and small businesses with competences and tools to tackle cyber threats and be more resilient in case of cyber-attack:a) “Cybersecurity Strategy: An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace”b) “Supporting specialised skills development: Big Data, Internet of Things and Cybersecurity for SMEs”c) “Identification of Future Skills Needs in Micro-Craft-Type Enterprises up to 2020”The EU’s “Cybersecurity Strategy: An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace” call for immediate action to achieving cyber resilience, especially for the micro and small businesses that represent 92% of EU companies and 53% of EU jobs.The 2019 report from EASME/EU Commission “Supporting specialised skills development: Big Data, Internet of Things & Cybersecurity for SMEs” identifies specific needs and skills gaps for MSMEs in cybersecurity:Section 3.3.2 of the report “Specialised skills gaps” states that “Skills shortages are hindering SMEs, and these shortages are expected to increase even further in the near future, in particular in cybersecurity”. Again from the report:” Europe will face a projected skills gap of 350,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2022.Objectives of CYBER-MSMEs are:A) bridge the skill gaps identified at EU and national levels for micro and small businesses on cybersecurityB) develop innovative training to provide new skills and competences to entrepreneurs and staff of MSMEsC) make it possible for young people to become “cybersecurity experts” and identify new jobs in MSMEs. The profile of cybersecurity expert is in high demand: in 2019, IBM reports that the number of cybersecurity job postings has grown 94%D) contribute to the competitiveness and growth of EU micro and small businesses by providing more relevant and high-quality training and products to tackle the challenges of cybersecurity and better manage cyber threatsParticipants are 6 partners from 4 countries, representing VET, ICT and enterprise expertise coupled with the depth and excellence of research, analysis and development with the participation of a global leader in the socio-economic analysis. Moreover, the project directly involves the target groups and stakeholders, both during the activities and at the dissemination level.Activities are grouped along with four distinct and stand-alone Intellectual outputs over a period of 24 months of implementation:- Develop and maintain the Cyber-MSME OER Platform- Map Cyber-Threats and Training Needs for MSME- Define the professional profile of Cyber-Security Expert within micro and small business- Develop the Cyber-MSME training and operational tools in 5 languages- Deliver and validate the Cyber-MSME training with 180 target groups- Define guidelines for mainstreaming and sustain project results beyond Erasmus co-financingResults of the project are:1. Innovative training resources, courses and materials for MSMEs to empower their staff with skills and competences on cybersecurity2. A toolbox with operational tools to implement cybersecurity at enterprise level3. Increased capacity of MSMEs to understand, anticipate, manage and contain cyber threats. 4. Enhanced operational ability to implement cybersecurity in MSMEs: 5. Validated and relevant training resources for the professional profile of “Cybersecurity Expert for MSME”Cyber-MSME generates immediate, tangible and long-lasting impact and benefits:- VET operators have access to innovative training in the field of cyber-security for micro/small firms- microenterprsies and SMEs can operationalise and implement cyber-security thanks to the CYBER-MSMEs tools and guidelines- New professional profiles of cyber-security expert will generate new employment opportunities- All of the above contributes to a more responsive VET system;