C-Network

Context

The Cybersecurity Competence Centres Network - C-Network is a project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), driven by the National Cybersecurity Centre (CNCS), which aims to support approximately 2000 entities in the coming years (until March 2026).

Thus, with these centres, a complementary network of spaces will be created to assist the Public Administration, the entities covered by the Legal Framework for Cyberspace Security (RJSC), small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other entities in the scope of cybersecurity.

The C-Network will be made up of 7 competence centres distributed throughout the country (one for each NUTII region - Autonomous Region of Madeira, Autonomous Region of the Azores, Algarve, Alentejo, Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, Centre and North), integrating specialists with diverse competences to support local organisations. The activities to be provided are aligned with the goal of increasing organisational maturity and cyber-resilience in cybersecurity, following the CNCS guidelines.

It aims to be a networked initiative, innovative and transforming the cybersecurity service delivery model, supported by a proximity model and anchored on the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity and proportionality.

The C-Network will act in close partnership with local agents acting in each region, such as:

• Municipalities;
• Intermunicipal Communities (CIMs) 
• Universities, Polytechnics and Research Units;
• Business centres.

Any additional information may be requested at c-network@cncs.gov.pt

Strategic Goals 

• Support the digital transformation of organisations from a cybersecurity point of view (in training, processes, technology, obtaining funding and daily operation).
• Foster collaboration and cooperation between the various entities, at regional and national level.
• Promote entrepreneurship and the creation of regional cybersecurity ecosystems.

Operation

Each Competence Centre will act, in each region, as a support point for organisations and shall:

• Provide and produce guidance tailored to entities, advising them on the adoption of best practices and processes in cybersecurity and information security matters, and monitor the implementation of the guidance produced;
• Serve as a bridge and facilitator in capacity-building activities for organisations and their human resources through the advanced training programme in cybersecurity - C-Academy
• To act as a bridge and facilitator for the digital transformation processes made available through the Digital Innovation Hub - C-HUB;
• Guide organisations and local agents in complying with legal and certification requirements.