Cybercrime on the rise

A brief excerpt from the Austrian crime statistics for 2022 shows the extent of the problem: the number of cybercrime reports amounted to 22,376 cases, which corresponds to a whopping 44.5 percent increase over the previous year. SMEs in particular are increasingly falling victim to such criminal activities. A lack of time or material resources plays just as much of a role as insufficient security awareness: Who would be interested in my small business? This is a fatal misconception. In the 2022 cyber security study, 14 percent of Austrian companies stated that they had already been affected by ransomware attacks, i.e., attacks using blackmail software. Employees represent a risk factor for security breaches in companies that should not be underestimated. The danger posed by potential hacker attacks is often underestimated. This can be due to carelessness or ignorance, which are typical sources of error, but it can also be due to a fundamental resistance to supposedly “cumbersome” security measures or new technologies. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of a cyber attack, companies should establish clear guidelines. Employee security awareness should be strengthened, basic sensitivity and awareness should be created through regular training, and specific dangers should be explained. SFG supports this with its Cyber!Sicher funding initiative.

Supporting protective initiatives

Measures that increase IT security, such as protecting data, networks, computer systems, IoT components, and hardware and software, are eligible for funding of up to €15,000. Possible projects include risk analyses, consulting, further education and training, the introduction of security management systems, or investments in new hardware or software. In short: all activities that improve cyber security in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. PLEASE NOTE: Simply replacing IT infrastructure is not eligible for funding. Each project must include an awareness-raising measure for all employees in the company who have access to computers. In addition, companies are supported in implementing the requirements of the NIS-2-Richtlinie and the NISG2026 – these projects are supported in cooperation with the Wirtschaftskammer Steiermark.