This article, written by two experts in cybersecurity and sustainability, explores the integration of cybersecurity and ESG practices, highlighting how EU regulatory frameworks are setting unified standards across both domains. It emphasizes that similar assessment methods, using the “People-Process-Technology” framework, are being used to evaluate and advance organizational maturity in cybersecurity and sustainability. The article illustrates the evolution of processes and regulatory impacts, offering a clear roadmap for organizations to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. It also focuses on the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in implementing these integrated practices and points out the maturity gap between large corporations and SMEs, which often results in a lack of awareness and preparedness among smaller firms. Through compelling case studies, the authors demonstrate how proactive strategies can help companies—both non-EU aiming to capture EU market share and EU-based firms seeking grants and investments—to not only comply with regulatory demands but also to gain a competitive advantage.
