Cyber Readiness Institute

What Cyber Readiness Institute does

The Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), founded in July 2017 and headquartered in New York, is a global non-profit initiative that delivers free cybersecurity training and resources to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It was established by senior leaders who served on the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity to extend the Commission's recommendations to organizations lacking dedicated cybersecurity staff or budgets. CRI operates within the Center for Global Enterprise and runs programs in English, Croatian, Serbian, and Russian, with active initiatives spanning North America, Central Asia, Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

CRI's core product is the Cyber Readiness Program, a free, self-paced online training built around the "Core Four" behavioral practices — Passwords+, Software Updates, Phishing, and Secure Storage & Sharing. The web-based platform delivers interactive modules with videos, quizzes, downloadable templates, and policy documents, and uses a two-role model: a designated Cyber Leader inside each organization completes the program and trains the workforce, while Certified Cyber Coaches provide external hands-on support. CRI has built industry-specific adaptations including the Critical Infrastructure Program for Water Utilities (Microsoft-sponsored, with a Water Utility Playbook Addendum) and a manufacturing program via CyManII. In 2024, CRI added the CRI Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot co-developed with Digital Charter that provides 24/7 guidance on incident response and business continuity, alongside an Agentic AI Guide resource.

CRI is funded entirely through corporate memberships and sponsorships; all programs and resources are free to end users. Founding members Microsoft and Mastercard have supported CRI since 2017, with T-Mobile joining as the newest member in June 2024. Operational partners include the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (water utilities pilot), Digital Charter (AI assistant), Lanaco (Balkans regional chapter), the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program (Central Asia workshops), the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), and WaterISAC. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. CRI's go-to-market is fully self-service and digital-first, with adoption driven by partner-channel distribution, a growing Certified Cyber Coach network, in-person regional workshops, and content-led marketing across its website and social channels.

Name

Cyber Readiness Institute

Legal name

Cyber Readiness Institute, Inc.

Website

https://cyberreadinessinstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cyber Readiness Institute is a global non-profit that provides free, self-paced cybersecurity training and resources to small and medium-sized businesses, housed within the Center for Global Enterprise and funded by corporate members including Microsoft, Mastercard, and T-Mobile.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Training and Education for SMBs

NAICS

Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

General Cybersecurity Awareness (All Employees) (EDABAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cybersecurity Training & Awareness Programs (BPAEANAF), Cybersecurity (EDAAAPAC), Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA), Cybersecurity Technical Skills (Security Engineering, SOC, Pen Testing) (EDABAFAF)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity training programs
• SMB cyber readiness
• Cyber hygiene education
• Incident response planning
• Cybersecurity workforce certification

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Membership: Organizations join as corporate members to support CRI's mission and contribute to development of tools and resources. Members collaborate with peers and leaders across industries.
2. Corporate Sponsorship: Major technology companies (Microsoft, Mastercard, T-Mobile) sponsor CRI's programs and initiatives, providing financial support for free cybersecurity training delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Cyber Readiness Institute delivers a portfolio of free, self-paced online cybersecurity training programs and downloadable resources built around the "Core Four" practices — Passwords+, Software Updates, Phishing, and Secure Storage & Sharing — designed for small and medium-sized businesses and delivered through a Cyber Leader / Cyber Coach model. Offerings include the main Cyber Readiness Program, Cyber Leader Certification, Certified Cyber Coach certification, industry-specific programs for water utilities and manufacturers, regional chapter programs, and supporting tools such as the Cyber Readiness Playbook and the CRI Assistant AI chatbot.

Product overview

The Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) operates as a global non-profit initiative offering a portfolio of free cybersecurity training programs and resources for small and medium-sized businesses. The core product is the Cyber Readiness Program, a self-paced online training that focuses on human behavior and the 'Core Four' cybersecurity practices (Passwords+, Software Updates, Phishing, and Secure Storage & Sharing). This is complemented by the Cyber Leader Certification Program for professional credentials, the Certified Cyber Coach Program for training external advisors, and the Small Business Advisory Council for community engagement. CRI also offers industry-specific programs including the Critical Infrastructure Program for Water Utilities and the CYMANII Pilot for Manufacturers, as well as regional initiatives like the Lanaco Local Chapter Program. Supporting resources include the Cyber Readiness Playbook (available in English, Croatian, Serbian, and Russian), the Water Utility Addendum, Ransomware Playbook, Incident Response Plan templates, Employee Training resources, the Agentic AI Guide, and the CRI Assistant AI tool. The portfolio uses a two-role model where Cyber Leaders guide their organizations through the program while Cyber Coaches provide hands-on support to multiple organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cyber Readiness Program: A free, self-paced cybersecurity training program designed for small and medium-sized businesses to build strong cybersecurity habits and foster a culture of cyber readiness.
• Cyber Leader Certification Program
• Lanaco Local Chapter Program
• Critical Infrastructure Program: Resiliency for Water Utilities
• CYMANII Pilot
• Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC)
• Certified Cyber Coach

Products and services

• Cyber Readiness Program A free, self-paced online program that helps small and medium-sized businesses equip employees with practical knowledge to build strong cybersecurity habits and foster a culture of cyber readiness, focusing on the Core Four: Passwords+, Software Updates, Phishing, and Secure Storage & Sharing.
• Cyber Leader Certification Program A personal professional credential achieved after completing the Cyber Readiness Program. The certification enhances understanding of creating and sustaining a cyber-ready culture in organizations, focusing on managing people, process, and technology.
• Certified Cyber Coach Program A certification program for individuals who guide organizations through their cyber readiness journey. Cyber Coaches support Cyber Leaders through the Cyber Readiness Program using a blend of online training, interactive sessions, and hands-on field experience.
• Critical Infrastructure Program: Resiliency for Water Utilities A free cybersecurity training program for small water and wastewater utilities, providing basic cybersecurity training and promoting a culture of cyber readiness. Includes a dedicated Water Utility Playbook Addendum addressing unique OT and IT cybersecurity challenges.
• CYMANII Pilot: Cyber Readiness for Manufacturers A partnership pilot with CyManII to help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve cyber readiness and the security of the U.S. manufacturing sector.
• Lanaco Local Chapter Program A regional chapter initiative launched with Lanaco to help organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthen cybersecurity. Participating companies gain free access to CRI's Cyber Readiness Program with hands-on guidance from CRI-certified local coaches trained by Lanaco.
• Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC) A consortium of business leaders and cybersecurity experts created to address unique cyber readiness challenges faced by SMBs. Includes Members (SMBs sharing insights) and Supporters (technical solution providers funding operations).
• CRI Assistant An AI-powered assistant developed by CRI and Digital Charter to support SMBs on their cyber readiness journey. Provides fast and reliable answers on business continuity and incident response planning, available 24/7.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% of participating utilities reported improved cybersecurity understanding and willingness to act
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• WaterISACcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026CRI joined WaterISAC as a Community Partner in April 2026 to strengthen cyber readiness across the water sector. Collaboration to promote practical cybersecurity practices for water utilities.
• African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Partnership to strengthen cybersecurity for women entrepreneurs across Africa. AWEC's 2026 cohort is required to participate in CRI's Cyber Readiness Program. 15 AWEC alumni trained as Certified Cyber Coaches.
• LanacocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Lanaco is launching the first CRI Local Chapter in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with plans to expand into Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Lanaco trains local CRI-certified Cyber Coaches.
• Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024DSCI co-hosted Lanaco Cyber Readiness Day with CRI and Lanaco, bringing together senior IT professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• T-MobilecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024T-Mobile joined as newest CRI member in June 2024, contributing to the mission of improving cyber readiness for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve cyber readiness. Based on CRI's Cyber Readiness Program adapted for the manufacturing sector. CyManII is a program partner.
• Digital ChartercoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Digital Charter collaborated with CRI to develop the CRI Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot to support SMBs with business continuity and incident response planning questions.
• Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023CLDP, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, partnered with CRI to conduct cybersecurity readiness training workshops in Central Asia (Dushanbe and Bishkek) for government agencies, financial institutions, and private sector organizations.
• Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation partnered with CRI on the two-year water utilities pilot program sponsored by Microsoft. Provided research and strategic guidance.
• MicrosoftflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2017Microsoft is a founding member and sponsor of the Cyber Readiness Institute. They provide financial sponsorship for programs including the Critical Infrastructure Program for Water Utilities. Microsoft contributes expertise and resources to develop free cybersecurity tools for SMBs.
• MastercardflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2017Mastercard is a founding member of CRI, contributing resources and knowledge to develop cybersecurity tools. Partnership includes co-hosting events (Lanaco Cyber Readiness Day) and supporting Central Asia workshops.
• Center for Global Enterprise (CGE)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2017CRI is housed within the Center for Global Enterprise, a New York-based non-profit applied research organization. CGE provides operational support and hosts CRI leadership including Samuel J. Palmisano as Co-Chair.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Proofpoint Security Awareness: Enterprise security vendor offering a paid security awareness training module as part of a broader threat protection suite. Comparable end-user training capability, but within a much larger commercial portfolio.
• SANS Institute: Largest commercial provider of deep cybersecurity training and certifications (GIAC). Overlaps with CRI's Cyber Leader Certification and awareness content, but targets a more technical/professional audience at premium pricing.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): U.S. federal agency that publishes free cybersecurity resources for small businesses (Cyber Essentials, Stop.Think.Connect.). A much larger institutional incumbent overlapping heavily with CRI's SMB awareness mission.

Direct peers

• Hoxhunt: Security behavior change platform that uses gamified phishing simulations and training to drive measurable security outcomes. Closely aligned with CRI's focus on employee behavior change around phishing, passwords, and reporting.
• National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA): Non-profit that runs the Stay Safe Online program and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, providing free SMB and consumer cybersecurity education. Direct non-profit counterpart to CRI's mission and free training model.
• NINJIO: Security awareness platform delivering short, animated training episodes on common cyber threats (phishing, passwords, etc.). Directly comparable in style and SMB focus, with a paid B2B delivery model.
• Terranova Security: Security awareness training vendor (acquired by Fortra) focused on phishing simulations and behavior change for SMB and enterprise. Closely comparable product offering, with a similar emphasis on measurable behavior change.
• Global Cyber Alliance: Non-profit focused on practical, free cybersecurity toolkits for SMBs and organizations globally. Comparable to CRI as a mission-driven provider of free cyber readiness resources and playbooks.
• KnowBe4: Leading commercial provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing for SMBs and enterprises. Directly comparable to CRI in target audience (SMB employees) and core offering (behavior-change cybersecurity training), but operates as a paid SaaS platform.

Emerging players

• Cybrary: Online platform providing free and paid cybersecurity skills training, including for entry-level and career-changers. Comparable training content, but with a stronger focus on technical skill-building rather than SMB behavior change.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cyber_readiness
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjM6VWHhf3LEMwUuuEaLiKA
• Facebookfacebook.com/CyberReadinessInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cyber-readiness-institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/cyberreadinessinstitute/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cyber Readiness Institute