PVO's Role in Boosting Cyber Resilience for Entrepreneurs

Digital security is a crucial area of concern for many SME entrepreneurs. During Cyber Security Month, we prioritise this topic to inform and activate entrepreneurs. The aim is to raise awareness of digital threats and help them take the right steps to secure their business. In collaboration with our regional partners, we strive to maximize our impact and reach as many entrepreneurs in South Holland as possible. During Cybersecurity Month, we spoke with Sanne Brekelmans, Cyber Advisor, about PVO's role and their vision on regional cooperation to strengthen cyber resilience in the region.

What is the purpose of PVO?

Platform for Safe Entrepreneurship (PVO)  is an organisation that focuses on providing proactive guidance and information to entrepreneurs on undermining, common crime and cyber resilience. This is always done in cooperation with local partners such as municipalities, the police and, in particular, entrepreneurs' associations. PVO is committed to public-private cooperation, for example in the form of the Quality Mark for Safe Entrepreneurship. The focus is on entrepreneurs in various sectors, including retail, business parks, rural areas, and the hospitality industry.

One of the main pillars of PVO is cyber resilience. Cybercrime is a growing threat to entrepreneurs, which is why PVO provides them with valuable information on the risks and offers practical tips and tools to protect their businesses. Additionally, a hacking helpdesk is available to support entrepreneurs who have fallen victim to a cyber attack. The impact of such an attack can be enormous: not only for the continuity of the organisation but also for staff and on a personal level. Many entrepreneurs are unaware of these risks and often think they are not a target for cybercriminals. Unfortunately, this is a misunderstanding, because, for cybercriminals, everyone is a potential target.

What are you doing during Cybersecurity Month?

During Cybersecurity Month, PVO not only organises events but also launches a social media campaign and provides support to municipalities and business associations. This month offers an ideal opportunity to highlight PVO's services, such as cyber counseling. Additionally, two new cybersecurity videos are published on YouTube and our website to further raise awareness about cybersecurity.

What is the added value of connecting public and private parties around cybersecurity for SMEs?

Cybercrime is a complex issue that demands a collaborative effort between public and private partners. This partnership provides clear benefits: by joining forces with PVO and other organisations, entrepreneurs gain a clear and actionable understanding of the steps needed to secure their digital environments. While some actions can be taken independently, others may require collaboration with specific partners. This approach helps entrepreneurs access the right information and support more efficiently, saving time and ensuring they are better equipped to tackle the challenges of cyber resilience.

How does PVO cooperate with municipalities and other initiatives in the region?

PVO works with all municipalities in the region and aims to maintain strong relationships. This is achieved through clear communication about available services and regularly assessing the needs of the region. PVO is also a partner in various regional working groups, where knowledge and information are shared, such as the Regional Cyber Resilience Collaboration of South Holland, where different parties collaborate to enhance cyber resilience for SMEs in the region. This way, initiatives relevant to SMEs in specific regions or sectors can be shared and implemented.

Why is cooperation important?

Collaboration strengthens all parties involved. Each organisation brings its expertise and knowledge, enabling greater achievements. Moreover, joint efforts can lead to better follow-up on each other's services. PVO focuses on preventive measures, while other organisations may concentrate more on enforcement or aftercare. Cooperation with local partners is also crucial; they understand the needs of specific target groups and know which projects best suit entrepreneurs. We actively connect with initiatives such as FERM, Cyber Resilience Centre Greenport, and Cyber Resilience Centre Manufacturing in the region. Our primary focus is on raising awareness and providing initial insights. Through the Cyber Resilience Centers, entrepreneurs can then take further steps to enhance their digital resilience. This collaboration not only strengthens individual initiatives but also offers concrete support to entrepreneurs looking to improve their digital security.

What are the main challenges PVO has experienced in bringing together various parties around cybersecurity?

A key challenge is avoiding overlap in initiatives. There is already an extensive range of cybersecurity services available, and it is crucial to bundle existing products and services rather than everyone coming up with their solution. This not only promotes effectiveness but also creates a more coherent offering for entrepreneurs.