As part of the Go Cloud! Go Secure! – Cloud Security Implementation Model for SMEs Erasmus+ project, an event was organised to present the project’s key results and raise awareness among SMEs about the importance of cloud security in digital transformation.
In line with the European Commission’s recommendation to increase women’s participation in ICT studies and careers, and recognising that women entrepreneurs may be confident users of everyday digital tools while having less access to specialist knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud architecture, data analytics, AI and programming, the event focused specifically on female leaders, entrepreneurs and SME owners. A total of 49 female entrepreneurs from three Hungarian counties participated.
Participants were introduced to the main tools and resources developed by the project team, including the Cloud Security Self-Assessment Tool, the Cloud Security Matrix, the Cloud Security Model, and the Cloud Security Course and training materials. Particular emphasis was placed on the practical application of these resources to assess security risks, identify vulnerabilities, implement appropriate protective measures, and strengthen employees’ cloud security awareness.
The cloud does not automatically mean security
As part of the professional programme, Renáta Balogh, an information security expert at TriplaTeam Information Security, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Practical Tips and Tricks for Secure Cloud Use.” The presentation highlighted the growing role of cloud-based services in business and explained the principle of shared responsibility: while providers are responsible for the underlying infrastructure and platform, businesses remain responsible for areas such as users, passwords, multi-factor authentication, access rights, configurations, data and backups.
Participants received practical advice on preparing for cloud adoption, including reviewing access rights, removing inactive users and unnecessary data, classifying information, and considering potential risks before moving systems or data to the cloud.
Phishing and other social engineering attacks were also addressed, including spear phishing, business email compromise (BEC), whaling, and scams delivered via SMS, phone calls and QR codes. Practical security measures such as multi-factor authentication, strong and unique passwords, SPF/DKIM/DMARC configuration, email forwarding checks, and the separation of administrator and user accounts were also discussed.
From knowledge sharing to business connections
The professional programme was followed by networking, giving participants an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn about each other’s businesses, and explore potential cooperation and business opportunities.
Overall, the event strengthened participants’ understanding of cloud security and provided practical, SME-oriented tools to support safer digital transformation. It also demonstrated the value of combining cybersecurity awareness with knowledge sharing, networking and peer-to-peer learning among women entrepreneurs.
