Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often lack the resources to effectively combat cyber threats, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Mastercard (NYSE:MA) and VikingCloud are working together to address these challenges by developing cybersecurity solutions tailored to SMBs. The initiative aims to provide businesses with tools to assess their security, fix vulnerabilities, and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks. This collaboration comes at a time when cyberattacks on SMBs continue to rise, highlighting the need for accessible and effective cybersecurity measures.
Earlier initiatives from Mastercard have demonstrated its commitment to cybersecurity, including its acquisition of Recorded Future to enhance threat intelligence capabilities. VikingCloud, with its extensive merchant network, has also been involved in developing cybersecurity solutions for businesses. Their joint effort builds on these previous endeavors, integrating Mastercard’s risk evaluation expertise with VikingCloud’s remediation solutions. By combining these strengths, the companies aim to make cybersecurity more practical and scalable for SMBs.
How Will the New Solutions Support SMBs?
The cybersecurity solutions being developed will assist SMBs in analyzing their security posture, addressing vulnerabilities, and adapting to new threats. Mastercard’s risk assessment capabilities will be integrated with VikingCloud’s security tools to provide businesses with actionable insights. These solutions are designed to be easy to implement, reducing the complexity often associated with cybersecurity measures.
When Will These Solutions Be Available?
According to the companies, the first set of solutions will be available to VikingCloud customers in the second quarter of the year. Businesses using these services will have access to tools that can enhance their cyber defense with minimal effort on their part. The partnership aims to bridge the cybersecurity gap that many SMBs face due to financial and technical constraints.
“VikingCloud and Mastercard and joining forces to create low-touch, high-value cybersecurity solutions that help reduce risk and build trust with merchants so they can focus on running and building their businesses with less chance of disruption today and in the future,” said VikingCloud CEO Jim Burke.
“With VikingCloud, we will bring practical cybersecurity solutions to millions of SMBs to enable their success,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president, head of security solutions at Mastercard.
Mastercard has been actively enhancing its cybersecurity efforts, as seen with the launch of its Europe Cyber Resilience Center. This initiative aims to improve security measures in the region and provide businesses with better tools against cyber threats. By partnering with VikingCloud, Mastercard is extending these efforts to SMBs worldwide, ensuring they have access to resources that were previously more common among larger enterprises.
SMBs increasingly rely on digital platforms for their daily operations, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybersecurity solutions that are easy to deploy and maintain can help these businesses mitigate risks without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The collaboration between Mastercard and VikingCloud seeks to fill this gap by providing SMBs with security tools that are both effective and accessible.
