The European Union, in partnership with the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT), has committed to strengthening Colombia’s business sector through the Inclusive, Green, and Competitive Economy project. The technical assistance provided through various initiatives has focused on promoting the digitalization of the economy, innovation, improving the business climate, and facilitating trade.

Within this framework of cooperation, and in light of the increase in cyberattacks, the high vulnerability of MSMEs, and the need to strengthen public policies on digital security, the Cybersecure MSMEs initiative has emerged. Its purpose is to help reduce the risks posed by cybercrime by strengthening the program and coordination among local, public, and private stakeholders to build safer, more resilient, and sustainable digital environments for MSMEs in the country.

Through this initiative, the following were developed: The creation of educational and practical cybersecurity tools for MSMEs, including the design of a diagnostic and training methodology to strengthen their digital capabilities.

To develop this component, four virtual workshops were held to identify problems, and four in-person workshops were conducted in the region to identify solutions. These were collaborative working sessions with local stakeholders from the public, private, and academic sectors to gather insights, experiences, and proposals regarding the main cybersecurity challenges and opportunities for MSMEs, as well as to identify solutions and best practices that strengthen their digital protection. As a result of this process, the Public Policy Guidelines are being released today.