Published date:
Small organisations from specific sectors in Northern Ireland are being invited to take part in the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme.
All businesses face a threat from cyber attack but some organisations have a particularly increased risk. This might be because they hold sensitive information about the people that they work with, or they are perceived as an easy target by cyber criminals. For those sectors most at risk, the NCSC is launching a Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. This scheme aims to provide vulnerable organisations with help to implement baseline security controls to prevent the most common types of cyber attack.
Who is eligible for support in Northern Ireland?
Criteria:
To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees), registered in the UK and located within Northern Ireland.
Emerging Technology:
To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees) registered in the UK and working on:
- The development of fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
- The design and development of semiconductors / semiconductor IP blocks. Note: this offer does not extend to companies whose sole purpose is the manufacture of semiconductors.
- The development of fundamental Quantum technologies.
- The development of fundamental Engineering and Synthetic Biology
AND meet the following criteria;
- Has not previously participated in the NI/NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme
- Does not currently hold Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification, has not been awarded CE+ certification since January 2023 and is not currently in the process of applying for CE+ certification.
Defence:
*A maximum of 15 places are available for the Defence Sector*
To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees) registered in the UK and located within Northern Ireland in the 'Defence' sector.
AND meet the following criteria;
- Has not previously participated in the NI/NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme:
- Does not currently hold Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification, has not been awarded CE+ certification since January 2023 and is not currently in the process of applying for CE+ certification.
For more information on the NI Funded Cyber Essentials Programme and how to apply please click here.