The Digital Access Programme (DAP) Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria was developed under the Digital Access Programme (DAP), a United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) initiative that advances inclusive, affordable, safe, and secure digital access across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia. In Nigeria, CyberSafe Foundation, in collaboration with KPMG, led the development of a practical, easy-to-use toolkit tailored to the unique cybersecurity challenges facing local SMEs.

SMEs are vital drivers of Nigeria’s economy but are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited awareness, resources, and protections. This toolkit bridges that gap by equipping SMEs with free, practical guidance and tools to strengthen their digital resilience.

To inform the toolkit’s content and structure, we studied existing toolkits, guidelines, and initiatives implemented in various countries to strengthen cybersecurity measures for small and medium-sized enterprises. We also conducted an in-depth analysis of the Nigerian business environment and threat reports specific to Nigerian SMEs, considering regulatory frameworks and the specific digital access issues prevalent in the country.

In response to these findings, we meticulously crafted and launched a comprehensive Cybersecurity Toolkit for SMEs. This toolkit is accompanied by a tailored cyber e-learning program designed to empower SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and their data, impacting over 300 SMEs at launch.

The toolkit has empowered SMEs to adopt cybersecurity protocols, improved SME owners’ and staff’s ability to safeguard their businesses and customer data, and strengthened Nigeria’s digital economy by making it more secure and inclusive. CyberSafe Foundation continues to support SMEs with accessible cybersecurity education, ensuring they remain protected as they grow in the digital economy.