Mastercard launches free cybersecurity training to help the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses protect themselves from criminals
November 3, 2026 | London, United KingdomLaunching today, Mastercard’s SME Academy: Cybersecurity is a free digital learning platform offering practical cybersecurity education tailored to small business owners
Research from Mastercard reveals that three in five (61%1) or roughly 3.4 million2 UK SMEs, do not use any cybersecurity tools
Almost half of small firms (46%)3 have been targeted by cyber criminals in the past year, with nearly one in five (18%)4 going bankrupt following a cyber attack
The launch is part of Mastercard’s commitment to provide free cybersecurity resources and training to 10 million European SMEs by 2030
Mastercard has just launched its SME Academy: Cybersecurity tool, a free digital learning platform designed to help the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses build cyber confidence and take practical steps to protect themselves against cyber threats.
The launch comes as Mastercard’s Dreamonomics report shows that, while 65% of small businesses in the UK say protecting their business from cyber threats is a high priority, fewer than two in five (39%) use cybersecurity tools such as antivirus software and firewalls.
The need for better cyber defences is clear: two in five micro businesses (42%) and almost half of small firms (46%) have been targeted by cyber criminals in the past year, according to the Government’s latest cyber security report.
Lord Leong CBE, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, said: “We have so many innovative small businesses in this country, yet cybercrime remains one of the biggest threats to their success.
"Mastercard's SME Academy is a very welcome initiative that will help businesses stay well ahead of criminals, working with industry leaders to help equip them with the tools and support they need to thrive and grow our economy."
Simon Forbes, Division President, UK & Ireland at Mastercard, said: “Every small business starts with a dream, but cybersecurity risks can quickly turn it into a nightmare. Nearly 20% of small businesses don’t survive a cyber-attack. Keeping pace with constantly evolving technology and threats is difficult, particularly when time and resources are stretched. Our SME Academy offers clear, practical advice to help business owners take steps today to protect the dream they’ve worked so hard to build.”
Practical learning designed around small businesses
Small business owners juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving limited time to build expertise in areas such as cybersecurity. Designed with those realities in mind, Mastercard SME Academy: Cybersecurity offers short, interactive learning modules which help small business owners better understand common cyber threats and take simple steps to strengthen their defences. The platform is free of charge.
Modules cover how to recognise increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts and how data breaches happen; strengthening passwords and using multi-factor authentication; managing employee and third-party access; checking links, downloads and attachments; protecting business devices; recognising and responding to malware; reducing the risk of identity theft and impersonation; and securing critical business accounts.
Dreamonomics: Growth built on resilience and loyalty
Across the UK, Mastercard provides the infrastructure to help propel small business growth, protect against risk and power their payments, so they can navigate the digital economy through insights, tools and initiatives designed to build resilience, strengthen digital confidence and support sustainable growth.
Recent findings from Mastercard's Dreamonomics research highlight how the UK’s SMEs favour a steady path with nearly seven in ten (69%) SMEs prioritising predictability and stability over rapid growth and the risk and uncertainty that come with it.
As small businesses adopt more digital tools and payment options, they also want simpler, more connected solutions. Two in three (65%) say integrated tools that bring their systems onto one platform are critical, with many seeking clearer visibility of their finances and operations. UK SMEs also use cloud-based services, AI and machine learning, and accounting software more than those in the other European countries surveyed, making cybersecurity a vital foundation for business continuity, customer trust and long-term resilience.
To find out more, visit www.mysmeacademy.com/mastercard
1 Mastercard Dreamonomics research : Mastercard_Dreamonomics_Report.pdf
2 Based on 5.68 million UK SMEs, according to data from the Department for Business and Trade Business Population Estimates: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/business-population-estimates-2025/business-population-estimates-for-the-uk-and-regions-2025-statistical-release
3 Data from the Cyber security breaches survey 2025/2026: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-20252026/cyber-security-breaches-survey-20252026
4 Mastercard research : Small business cybersecurity - Survey shows reason for worry | Mastercard Global
Dreamonomics Report Methodology
The inaugural Dreamonomics Report is based on a global survey conducted by Hypothesis on behalf of Mastercard among more than 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across 18 markets. This includes more than 1,000 respondents across France, the Netherlands, Romania and the United Kingdom, of which more than 400 are from the United Kingdom.
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
