Mastercard launches free cybersecurity training for small businesses
Mastercard has launched a free cybersecurity training platform for small businesses across Europe, as new research highlights how many companies remain exposed to online threats despite growing awareness of the risks.
The Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognise common cyber threats and improve their digital security through a series of short, interactive online learning modules.
The launch follows findings from Mastercard’s Dreamonomics research, which found that 64% of SMEs in participating European markets consider protecting their businesses against cyber threats a high priority. However, only 37% currently use cybersecurity tools such as antivirus software and firewalls.
The figures highlight the challenges facing smaller businesses, which often lack the time, resources and specialist expertise to manage increasingly complex cyber risks.
The new platform aims to address this by providing practical guidance on issues including phishing, data breaches, password security, multi-factor authentication and malware. It also covers how businesses can manage employee access, protect devices and reduce the risk of identity theft and online impersonation.
The platform is initially available to businesses in the UK, Ireland, Italy and Poland, with a wider European rollout planned for 2027.
The initiative forms part of Mastercard’s commitment to provide free cybersecurity education to 10 million European SMEs by 2030.
Tulsi Narayan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and New Payment Flows Business, Europe at Mastercard, said the research showed a clear divide between businesses recognising cyber risks and taking steps to address them.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The Dreamonomics research also examined how small businesses across Europe are approaching growth, with findings suggesting that stability and resilience are becoming increasingly important.
Across France, the Netherlands, Romania and the UK, 69% of SMEs said they prioritise predictability and stability over rapid growth that brings greater risk and uncertainty.
The research also found that 67% of business owners measure success partly by whether their business supports their personal well-being, while 66% would rather strengthen relationships with existing customers than focus on maximising their reach.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in business operations, with seven in ten SMEs identifying integrated business tools as critical. Many are also looking for greater visibility of their finances and day-to-day operations.
The findings underline the pressures facing smaller businesses as they navigate an increasingly digital economy, balancing opportunities for growth with the need to protect their operations, customers and financial security.
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