NERO project at ALICE Innovation Village

Project overview

As digital logistics systems, from electronic freight documents to IoT-connected fleets and automated cargo handling, expand across Europe, cybersecurity has become a critical enabler of supply chain resilience. NERO equips organisations, and particularly SMEs in the transport and logistics sector, with the awareness, training, and tools they need to protect their operations, data, and customers from evolving cyber threats.

The project combines cutting-edge cybersecurity tools with hands-on training resources to support organisations, particularly SMEs, in improving their cyber resilience. NERO goes beyond providing technologies by fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness among both professionals and individuals.

At the core of the project is the NERO Marketplace, a platform where users can discover, test, and learn about cybersecurity solutions and training materials in one place, free of charge.

Objectives

NERO aims to:

• Enhance cybersecurity awareness and skills across European organisations
• Provide access to validated cybersecurity tools and training resources
• Support SMEs in improving their cybersecurity posture
• Bridge the cybersecurity skills gap
• Foster a strong and collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem

What the project does

NERO delivers an integrated cybersecurity ecosystem that combines:

• A Marketplace to explore and compare cybersecurity tools and training
• A comprehensive training programme tailored to SMEs
• A set of cybersecurity frameworks and tools
• Real-world use cases and demonstrations

Users can:

• Discover and test cybersecurity solutions
• Compare tools and training programmes
• Access hands-on learning materials

Validate solutions in practical environments

NERO ecosystem tools

The project develops and integrates several key components:

• VICTORIOUS – Vulnerability discovery for secure ICT solutions
• AUDACIOUS – Audit-based certification for cybersecurity preparedness
• CYBIT – Cyber Immunity Toolkit repository
• ARCANA – Market-oriented cybersecurity awareness training
• ASTRAS – Advanced cybersecurity awareness training mechanisms

Together, these tools support organisations in identifying, preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats.

Use cases

NERO demonstrates its impact through real-world applications in key sectors:

• Transportation and logistics: The transport and logistics sector’s growing dependence on technology has significantly increased its exposure to cyber threats. A single breach can disrupt entire supply chains, compromising sensitive operational and customer data. NERO deploys its cybersecurity tools and awareness training to strengthen supply chain resilience, protect critical operational systems, ensure business continuity, and reduce vulnerability to cyberattacks across the logistics value chain.
• Financial sector: Enhancing protection of sensitive financial data, reducing fraud risks, and strengthening trust through proactive cybersecurity measures.
• Healthcare: Safeguarding patient data, ensuring compliance, and strengthening the security of healthcare systems through integrated cybersecurity tools and training.

Consortium

The NERO consortium includes 16 partners from 10 European countries, combining expertise in cybersecurity, research, industry, and innovation.

Coordinator:

• TRUSTILIO BV

Key partners include:

• eBOS
• Massive Dynamic Sweden
• Montimage
• MINDS
• Pluribus One
• Trust-IT Services
• COMMPla
• OneSource
• AINIGMA
• iLINK
• Infotrend
• AKTANTIS
• Senetics
• Sphynx
• University of Piraeus Research Centre (UPRC)

Expected impact

NERO contributes to strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity capabilities by:

• Increasing cybersecurity awareness and skills among SMEs
• Supporting the adoption of advanced cybersecurity solutions
• Reducing vulnerabilities and cyber risks
• Enhancing trust in digital systems and services
• Building a resilient and collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem

The project funded under Grant Agreement No. 101127411 is supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Neither the European Union nor the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre can be held responsible for them.