<p style="font-weight:bold;padding-top:5%;"><a href="https://cyssde.eu/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">CYSSDE</span></a>, funded by the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme, launches its third and last Open Call to support European organisations in strengthening cybersecurity through penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and enhanced risk monitoring.</p> <p>We will select up to 12 proposals, submitted either individually or by consortia of up to two entities. Each selected proposal must deliver at least 10 tests, for a combined minimum of 100 penetration tests and vulnerability assessments for Essential Services Operators, SMEs, and other eligible entities.</p> <p>💰 <span style="font-weight:bold;">Funding available:</span> Up to €200,000 per selected proposal.<br>🛠 <span style="font-weight:bold;">Technical Support:</span> Tailored 18-month Mentoring and Support Programme</br>📨 <span style="font-weight:bold;">Proposals can be submitted by:</span> a single entity, or a consortium of up to two entities (at least 1 expert in Cybersecurity)</br>🌍 <span style="font-weight:bold;">Eligible applicants:</span> SMEs (including micro-enterprises and start-ups), mid-caps, large companies, research centers, and public bodies with expertise in cybersecurity and registered in a <span style="font-weight:bold;">Member State of the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA).</span><br>🗓️<span style="font-weight:bold;">Application period:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;margin-top:0rem;"><li>📅 Application starts : 27 February 2026 at 10:00 (Brussels time)</li><li>⏳ Submission deadline: 28 April 2026 at 15:00 (Brussels time)</li></ul> --------------------------- **INFORMATIVE WEBINARS**: Join us for the two online sessions during which we will guide you through the Open Call assumptions and the application process. You will have the chance to ask your questions live. * 1st webinar: **[watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-YVY9DewWc&feature=youtu.be)** and **[check the presentations](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gHhRlrcixsNk5ZQU9BV82HK2nhKZpBNW).** * 2nd webinar: **[watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpsNrG-iEPQ&t=1s)** and **[check the presentations](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rwHgp2y--75X_l8kUY2V93yfPL6bQZH2).** <hr> <br> <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap;"> <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; flex-shrink: 0;"> <img src="https://fundingbox-spaces.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/9d88be4ec545e6ba0e042558/hBajyLJC5N/EN_FundedbytheEU_RGB_POS.png" alt="EU co-funded logo" style="height: 60px; width: auto; max-width: 100%;"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/fundingbox-sites/gear%2F1769535600392-eccc-logo-web-purpose-desktop.svg" alt="EU co-funded logo" style="height: 60px; width: auto; max-width: 100%;"> </div> <div style="flex: 1; min-width: 250px;"> <p style="font-size: small; margin: 0; line-height: 1.5;"> Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The project is supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence Center (ECCC) and its members. </p> </div>