Automation of security penetration tests

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Financing entity: European Commission
Programme: European Defence Fund
Type of action: EDF-RA EDF Research Actions
Call: Call for spin-in EDF research actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2023-
RA-SI)
Objectives of the call
This research topic aims to overcome defence-specific obstacles associated to the automation of penetration tests, and at least partially automate the process by developing a user-friendly software solution that performs network security penetration tests for cyber defence actors. The proposals should address research that is based on use cases where the system owner administrates the penetration tests. Thus, non-cooperative computer networks are outside the scope of this topic.
For instance, the use cases can include a) whitelisting of payloads in antivirus software, or b) release of initial information about the targeted network to the penetration testing system.

Who can apply?
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:

• be legal entities (public or private bodies),
• be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.: EU Member States (including
  overseas countries and territories), non-EU countries: listed EEA countries,
• have their executive management structure established in eligible countries,
• must not be subject to control by a non-associated third country or
  nonassociated third-country entity.

How to apply? Electronically via the Founding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System

Deadline 22 November 2023

Call budget: EUR 59 000 000

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/fundingtenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/edf-2023-ra-sicyber-aspt