Mastercard launches free cybersecurity platform „to help Europe’s small businesses build cyber confidence”

Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity is a new, free digital learning platform offering practical cybersecurity education tailored to small business and medium sized enterprise (SME) owners. Mastercard Dreamonomics research finds almost two thirds of Europe’s SMEs are prioritizing cyber protection, but only a third currently use cybersecurity tools.

Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity, „a free digital learning platform designed to help Europe’s small businesses build cyber confidence and take practical steps to protect themselves against common cyber threats” – according to the press release. 

The launch comes as Mastercard’s Dreamonomics research highlights a significant gap between awareness and action when it comes to cybersecurity among Europe’s small businesses. While almost two thirds (64%) of SMEs in participating European markets say protecting their business from cyber threats is a high priority, only 37% are using cybersecurity tools such as antivirus software and firewalls. 

Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity

Small business owners often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving limited time to build expertise in areas such as cybersecurity. 

Designed with those realities in mind, Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity offers short, interactive learning modules that help small business owners better understand common cyber threats and take simple steps to strengthen their defences.  

Initially available in Ireland, Italy, Poland and the UK, the platform will be rolled out across Europe during 2027. It forms part of Mastercard’s commitment to provide free cybersecurity education to 10 million European SMEs by 2030. 

The digital experience gives SMEs practical answers to common cybersecurity questions and is designed to help business owners take more informed action to protect their data, accounts, and devices. 

Learning covers how to recognise phishing and understand how data breaches happen; strengthen passwords and use multi-factor authentication; manage employee and third-party access; check links, downloads and attachments; protect business devices, recognise and respond to malware; reduce the risk of identity theft and impersonation; and secure critical business accounts.

Tulsi Narayan, Executive Vice President, Commercial and New Payment Flows Business, Europe at Mastercard says; “Every small business starts with a dream. Today’s small businesses are not short of ambition, but many do not have the time or resources to navigate an increasingly complex cyber landscape. Our Dreamonomics research highlights a clear gap between awareness and action. The Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity platform is designed to help close that gap with practical, accessible learning that gives business owners the knowledge and confidence to protect against risk, so they can pursue their dreams with trust and confidence.” 

Dreamonomics: Growth built on resilience and control

The findings from Mastercard’s Dreamonomics research also highlight how SMEs across Europe are revisiting their approach to growth. Across France, the Netherlands, Romania and the UK, nearly seven in ten (69%) SMEs prioritize predictability and stability over fast growth that involves taking risks and navigating uncertainty. Many (67%) also define success by building businesses that support their personal well-being.

Small business owners are also placing greater value on the customers they already have. More than six in ten (66%) would rather build deeper relationships with existing customers than maximise reach, pointing to the role of loyalty and trust in building sustainable growth.

As businesses adopt more digital tools and payment options, entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for solutions that are simpler and more connected. Seven in ten SMEs say integrated business tools are critical, while many are seeking greater visibility into financial performance and operations. 

Across Europe, Mastercard provides the infrastructure to help propel small business growth, protect against risk and power their payments, so they can navigate the digital economy through insights, tools and initiatives designed to build resilience, strengthen digital confidence and support sustainable growth. 

To see more insights from the Dreamonomics Report, visit: www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/featured-topic/small-business-featured-topic.html