Global: Mastercard and VikingCloud Partner to Strengthen Cybersecurity for SMBs

Mastercard has joined forces with global cybersecurity and PCI compliance firm VikingCloud to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions tailored for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

According to a joint press release on Friday (Feb. 7), the first set of co-developed solutions will be made available to VikingCloud’s customers in the second quarter of 2025. These solutions will enable SMBs to assess their cybersecurity posture, address vulnerabilities, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

The partnership will integrate Mastercard’s risk assessment and scoring capabilities with VikingCloud’s expertise in cybersecurity remediation and its extensive network of over 4 million merchants worldwide. This collaboration is aimed at helping SMBs overcome cybersecurity challenges, particularly those arising from limited budgets and technical expertise.

“VikingCloud and Mastercard are combining efforts to create accessible, high-value cybersecurity solutions that mitigate risks and enhance merchant trust, allowing businesses to operate with greater confidence and fewer disruptions,” said VikingCloud CEO Jim Burke.

Johan Gerber, Executive Vice President and Head of Security Solutions at Mastercard, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating:
“Together with VikingCloud, we are bringing practical cybersecurity solutions to millions of SMBs, ensuring they have the protection needed to succeed.”

The initiative aligns with Mastercard’s broader cybersecurity strategy, which includes:

• The acquisition of threat intelligence firm Recorded Future in December, expanding its AI-driven cybersecurity analytics.
• The launch of the Europe Cyber Resilience Center in May, designed to combat cybercrime and serve as a hub for cybersecurity innovation.

Ron Green, a cybersecurity fellow and former Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, previously highlighted the importance of a multi-layered cybersecurity approach, advising businesses to invest in technologies that enforce strict access controls and continuous security monitoring.

With cyber threats on the rise, this Mastercard-VikingCloud partnership is set to provide SMBs with cost-effective, scalable solutions to bolster their defenses and navigate the digital landscape securely.