Overview of the Program
The APAC Cybersecurity Fund aims to strengthen the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem by equipping micro and small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises with skills to navigate the Internet safely and confidently. Entrepreneurs skilled at identifying and mitigating cyberattacks will bolster the region’s digital economy growth.
Supported by "Google.org", "Google’s philanthropic arm," The Asia Foundation leads the initiative in collaboration with the CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance. In India, Foundation for MSME Clusters will equip 70,000 micro, small and medium businesses (MSMEs) in cyber hygiene and digital safety skills.
Under the APAC Cybersecurity Fund initiative, training workshops are being conducted across 20 states in India to enhance cybersecurity awareness and preparedness among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) is actively implementing the program in 10 of these states, namely
- Andhra Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Punjab
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
These states encompass a wide range of industrial clusters, enabling the program to reach diverse business ecosystems and strengthen digital security practices across regions.
In India, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund Initiative aims to boost the resilience of MSMEs, while also equipping BMOs to understand and mitigate cybersecurity risks at the cluster level, encouraging greater and safer digital participation that enables businesses to thrive.
Total MSMEs to be trained
Women-led MSMEs to be trained
BMOs to be trained
Testimonial
A timely and much-needed intervention for our MSME members in Punjab. Many of them are going online without knowing the risks. With the training and support we’ll get; we’ll be able to guide them better and make sure they feel safer and more confident using digital tools.
Gurmeet Singh Kular
President, Federation of Industrial Commercial Organization, Punjab
I run a small handloom business in Champa. I use mobile and WhatsApp for talking to customers and sending designs. But I never thought about online risk before. After joining the Cyber Security training, I understood that even small businesses like mine can be attacked online. They taught us how to keep phone and data safe, make strong passwords, and avoid online fraud. Now I feel more ready to protect my handloom business.
Dharmendra Kumar Dewangan
Proprietor, Dharmendra Handlooms, Champa, Chhattisgarh
Considering the modern environment, this training was very necessary for us as businesspeople. Before this program, cyber security felt like a technical issue for our team members. Now, I understand it's a business risk — and I'm empowered to make smarter decisions. The training was eye-opening and practical.
Ritesh K. Tripathi,
CEO, ADS Construction Pvt. Ltd, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Through the APAC Cybersecurity Fund initiative, I had the opportunity to attend two days of specialized cybersecurity training. The sessions were practical, easy to understand, and tailored to the needs of MSMEs like ours. We learned how to identify phishing attempts, secure our devices and networks, and implement basic data protection protocols without heavy investment. These trainings have made our systems more secure and our staff more aware of online risks.
Didar Singh
Proprietor, Singh Engineering Works, Ludhiana, Punjab
This cyber security awareness project helped me, and my team recognize everyday habits that were unknowingly putting our business at risk. It goes beyond theory—offering practical, actionable steps that every business leader can implement. In today’s digital age, cyber security isn’t just important for business owners; it’s essential for everyone. We all need to be informed and proactive.
K. P. Mishra
Director, Marutsakha Services, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh