1. What is France doing to enhance its cybersecurity posture?
France has implemented a robust national cybersecurity strategy backed by significant investments.
- National Cybersecurity Strategy: Launched in 2015 and bolstered by a €1 billion plan (including €720 million in public funding), the strategy aims to triple the cybersecurity sector’s revenue (€7.3 billion to €25 billion) by 2025, double the number of jobs (37,000 to 75,000), and foster the emergence of three French cybersecurity “unicorns.”
- Key Initiatives:
- Establishing the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) as the national authority for cybersecurity, responsible for prevention, response, and crisis management.
- Creating a Cyberdefense Command (COMCYBER) within the Ministry of Armed Forces to integrate cyber warfare into military operations.
- Tasking the Ministry of the Interior with combating all forms of cybercrime, including those targeting institutions, businesses, and individuals.
- International Collaboration: France actively promotes international stability and security in cyberspace through:
- Advocating for European strategic autonomy in the digital realm, focusing on technology, regulation, and capabilities within the EU.
- Supporting the “Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace,” which promotes international law and human rights in the digital sphere.
- Championing cybersecurity initiatives within NATO, the G7, and the OSCE, including the recognition of cyberspace as an operational domain.
2. What support is available to French businesses, particularly SMEs, to improve their cybersecurity?
France offers a range of national and regional support programs to help businesses, especially SMEs, strengthen their cybersecurity.
- National Programs:
- Cyber PME Program (France 2030): Provides tailored support, including cybersecurity diagnostics, consulting, and training, with subsidies covering up to 50% of the costs.
- Diagnostic Cyber Défense: Offers a subsidized audit, consulting, and implementation support program specifically for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises operating in the defense sector.
- MonAideCyber: A free program offered by ANSSI that provides initial cybersecurity diagnostics and guidance to connect businesses with further resources.
- Regional Programs: Many regions offer additional financial aid and programs, including:
- Île-de-France: Provides a “Chèque Diagnostic Cyber” covering up to 80% of the cost of a cybersecurity audit conducted by a qualified provider.
- Grand Est: The “Chèque Investissement Cyber” program subsidizes the purchase of cybersecurity technologies and services.
- Hauts-de-France: Offers financial support for cybersecurity diagnostics covering up to 80% of the costs.
- Occitanie: The “Chèque Numérique” program supports digital transformation projects, including cybersecurity initiatives, with subsidies of up to 50% of eligible expenses.
3. What is the “Cyber PME” program?
The Cyber PME program, part of France 2030, is a key initiative designed to strengthen the cybersecurity of French SMEs and mid-sized enterprises.
- Objectives: The program aims to:
- Assist businesses in implementing robust cybersecurity measures.
- Enhance their resilience against cyber threats.
- Eligibility: The program is open to SMEs and mid-sized enterprises across all sectors, with priority given to those in the civil aviation and energy sectors, as defined by the NIS 2 directive.
- Program Structure: It involves a two-step process:
- Step 1: Cybersecurity Diagnostic: A subsidized assessment of the company’s cyber risk exposure, resulting in a prioritized action plan (subsidy covers 50% of the €8,800 total cost).
- Step 2: Financial Aid for Implementation: A subsidy of €30,000 to €80,000 to cover up to 70% of the expenses related to implementing the security plan, including up to four days of consulting support.
4. Are there specific cybersecurity initiatives for the defense sector?
Yes, the “Diagnostic Cyber Défense” program specifically targets SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in the defense sector.
- Goal: This program aims to bolster the cybersecurity of these businesses against advanced cyber threats and targeted attacks.
- Support: It offers a comprehensive package of services:
- Audit and Consulting: A subsidized service to identify and analyze digital and cybersecurity risks, and determine appropriate security measures based on various threat scenarios (€8,000 maximum subsidy for the audit and risk analysis phase).
- Implementation Assistance: A maximum subsidy of €6,000 for assistance with implementing the remediation plan and a final audit to verify its effectiveness.
5. What other national initiatives are helping SMEs with cybersecurity?
Beyond “Cyber PME” and “Diagnostic Cyber Défense,” other national programs offer valuable support:
- MonAideCyber: This free program by ANSSI provides an initial cybersecurity assessment (1.5 hours) for SMEs. It also helps businesses identify appropriate next steps and connect them with relevant cybersecurity resources.
- Diagonal: A free, on-site cybersecurity pre-diagnostic offered by the National Gendarmerie, primarily targeting businesses in gendarmerie-covered areas. This program helps assess a company’s exposure to online threats.
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Support: The CCI network, in collaboration with experts from CNIL, ANSSI, and the National Gendarmerie, offers free awareness sessions and support to SMEs to improve their cybersecurity posture.
6. Are there regional programs specific to the Île-de-France region?
Yes, the Île-de-France region has two notable programs:
- “Chèque Diagnostic Cyber”: This program provides financial assistance to SMEs and associations with 10 to 249 employees and revenue under €50 million to conduct a cybersecurity audit. The subsidy covers up to 80% of the audit costs, with a maximum of €5,000.
- “CYBIAH Support”: This program offers a comprehensive cybersecurity diagnostic and implementation support package to SMEs, with the level of financial support varying based on identified needs and location (up to 100% coverage for businesses in Île-de-France).
7. How can I find regional cybersecurity support programs in my area?
To find regional cybersecurity programs, consider the following resources:
- France Num Website: This website offers a comprehensive search engine to discover financial aid and support programs for digital transformation, including cybersecurity, for SMEs.
- Regional CCI Websites: Consult the website of the CCI in your region for information on local cybersecurity initiatives.
- Regional Government Websites: Check the websites of your regional government for details on available programs.
8. What role do European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) play in cybersecurity support?
EDIHs play a significant role in helping SMEs with cybersecurity and digital transformation. They offer:
- Guidance and Financial Support: EDIHs provide comprehensive guidance throughout the process and can partially fund cybersecurity projects, typically covering 50% to 80% of the costs, depending on the region.
- Expertise and Networking: They offer access to a network of cybersecurity experts and resources, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Access to Innovative Solutions: EDIHs can connect businesses with innovative cybersecurity solutions and providers, helping them stay ahead of evolving threats.
