APAC Cyber Security Fund ProjectCyber Security Capacity Building Programme for MSMEs in India

Background:

The rapid advancement of technology has significantly strengthened businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by providing greater access and opportunities to the market through various digital platforms. The dependency on the use of digital platforms has increased significantly during the COVID-19-induced period.

As the reliance of businesses on the digital world has increased, so has the number of cyber-crimes. The adoption of digital technology in India has been very high in recent times. Almost all businesses and transactions are encouraged to move to digital platforms and the increase in cyber threats and attacks has become a common phenomenon.

According to the report of the National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 65,893 cyber-crime cases were registered in 2022, as compared to 52,974 in 2021, which is 24.4 per cent less. This indicates that cyber-attacks are an emerging threat to businesses as well as individuals.

This trend highlights the urgent need to build a cyber-resilient ecosystem for businesses, especially MSMEs. The growth of MSMEs in India is very impressive, especially after the Make in India Initiative. MSMEs contribute over 30% to India’s GDP. This increasing incidence of cyber-attacks is worrying for MSME businesses as the sector is still vulnerable in terms of cyber resilience. Inadequate security measures, lack of awareness and reluctance to adopt good cyber security practices make them more vulnerable, resulting in more frequent cyber-attacks on businesses. It is high time that MSMEs should understand the need for cyber security to protect their businesses and prevent financial losses.

CUTS International is taking a capacity-building initiative among MSMEs across India. 10 Indian states have been identified namely Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura and aims to educate over 20,000 MSMEs on cyber security in the next two years. This initiative is part of a larger initiative called the APAC Cybersecurity Fund Project by the Asia Foundation (TAF) with support from Google.org.

The initiative aims to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region by equipping micro and small businesses, non-profits and social enterprises with the skills they need to navigate the internet safely and build their confidence through a series of training programmes.

About Project

Project Brief

Project Objective:
The project aims to create a cyber-resilient ecosystem for MSMEs across India and strengthen the capacity of MSMEs on cybersecurity issues to reduce the risk of cyber threats to businesses as well as individuals. Ultimately, it aims to ensure safe navigation of the digital landscape by Indian MSMEs.

The specific objectives of the project will be to:

Enhance cybersecurity awareness among MSMEs.

Equip MSMEs with practical skills to identify and mitigate cyber threats.

Foster a cyber-resilient ecosystem for MSMEs to thrive.

Project Activity:
The project aims to conduct capacity-building training programmes for MSMEs in 10 states of India. There will be two modes of training programme such as physical training and online – self-based training. A total of 160 physical training programmes are planned to be implemented. Each training programme will train 100 MSMEs with a special emphasis on women entrepreneurs.

Project Duration:
The project is being implemented between 2024-2026.

Project Location:
Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura – – Use the Map of Web portal
Target audience::
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and Women Entrepreneurs

CUTS International

Established in 1983, Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS International) is a non-profit non-governmental organisation, engaged in promoting consumer sovereignty in the framework of social justice, economic equality and environmental balance, within and across borders. It is a leading Southern voice working on three verticals: Rules-based trade; Effective regulation; and Good governance. More information is available here: http://www.cuts-international.org/pdf/Programme_Brochure.pdf

CUTS operate out of 14 Centers spread across India, Africa, South East Asia, Europe and the USA. More information is available here: http://www.cuts-international.org.

CUTS Calcutta Resource Center (CUTS CRC) is leading the implementation of the along with CUTS Centre for Competition, Investment, and Economic Regulation (CUTS CCIER). More details are available at (https://www.cuts-crc.org/) and http://www.cuts-ccier.org/).

Supported by –

The Asia Foundation (TAF) (Implementing Partner)
Google.org

Expected Outcomes:

The project helps build a cyber-resilient ecosystem

It helps MSMEs build their capacity on cybersecurity issues

A large number of MSMEs will be engaged in this initiative and trained.

Since the project will bring together a large number of MSMEs, it will be easier to consolidate and disseminate cybersecurity best practices among them.

MSMEs will be aware of their digital rights, government rules and regulations to protect themselves from cyber-attacks

Research Outputs/Event

Workshop on Cybersecurity Capacity Building for MSMEs in India
Durgapur, West Bengal, December 24, 2024
Workshop on Cybersecurity Capacity Building for MSMEs in India
Hoogly, West Bengal, December 17, 2024
APAC Cybersecurity Fund Project Inception Workshop
Kolkata, West Bengal, November 05, 2024

Media

Coming soon…

Contact Us

CONSUMER UNITY & TRUST SOCIETY (CUTS)
D–217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302016, Rajasthan, India
Ph: +91 141-2282821/22/23
Fax: +91 141 2282485
Email: cuts1@cuts.org

Kolkata Office
Consumer Unity & Trust Society
Calcutta Resource Centre
6/1/1E 1st Floor, Anil Maitra Road,
Opposite Durgabari, Near South Point School (Senior Section)
Ballygunge Place, Kolkata – 700019
Contact – +91 33 4068 3154
Fax No. +91 33 2460 4987
Email: calcutta@cuts.org