FH Upper Austria research team supports SMEs in cyber security and supply chain resilience

The Interreg project CySeReS‑SME focuses on strengthening small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in the areas of IT security, cyber security, and resilience, with a particular focus on their supply chains. The goal is to develop practical, hands‑on solutions that help SMEs improve their digital security and meet future requirements such as those of the NIS2 Directive.

Project Partners

• FH Oberösterreich/Logistikum,
• Deggendorf Institute of Technology,
• University of Passau,
• University of Innsbruck,
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.

Under the leadership of FH Upper Austria, Steyr Campus, research institutions from Austria and Bavaria are working together to raise awareness among SMEs in industrial environments about the growing cyber threats in interconnected supply chains — and to support them in responding effectively.

Why this project matters
The ongoing digitalization and tight interconnection of companies within supply chains bring many benefits, but they also increase vulnerability to cyberattacks. In recent years, numerous incidents have shown that it is not enough for companies to secure only their own systems. Attackers often exploit cross-regional digital links between supply chain partners to target entire industries or regions.

While large companies are increasingly securing their systems with extensive and costly security measures, SMEs often lack the resources to implement comparable protections. As a result, weak points emerge within global supply chains — weaknesses that cybercriminals can and do exploit.

Project objectives and concrete steps
CySeReS‑SME follows a hands‑on, practice‑oriented approach:

• Assessment and analysis of the current situation in participating SMEs
• Development of a best‑practice guide and a maturity model for self‑assessment
• Awareness‑raising and qualification measures to help SMEs systematically strengthen cyber security and resilience
• Support in preparing for new regulatory requirements, such as the NIS2 Directive

“Small and medium‑sized enterprises are a crucial part of supply chains, yet they face unique challenges in the field of cyber security. With CySeReS‑SME, we are creating practical tools and knowledge to make them future‑proof,” emphasizes Karoline Langner BA MA, project manager at FH Upper Austria, Steyr Campus.

The project’s results will benefit not only the participating companies: SMEs outside the consortium will also be able to use the self‑assessment tool and guidelines to improve their digital security and remain competitive in the long term.

The project is funded through the Interreg Bavaria–Austria program.

Further information and updates can be found on the project website:  www.cyseres-kmu.eu.

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