MSPs to undergo cybersecurity training following string of attacks

MSPs are to undergo cybersecurity training following a string of online attacks and honey traps targeting politicians.

The first briefing will take place on May 22 and will discuss personal security as well as the use of personal and parliamentary devices.

The announcement comes after The Times reported a cohort of MPs, including SNP MP Stewart McDonald, had been targeted by China in several cyberattacks.

In a separate report earlier this month, the newspaper also revealed that at least 20 Scottish council areas are using CCTV cameras by manufacturers linked to the Chinese government.

Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, who secured the briefing for MSPs, said: “Recently we have seen the attempted hacking of MPs’ emails, a hack on the Electoral Commission and a honeytrap scandal in Westminster. Some of these incidents may originate with hostile foreign nations, others will be the work of more prosaic scammers.”

Earlier this month, Tory MP William Wragg resigned the whip at Westminster after he admitted to sharing colleagues’ personal phone numbers with someone he met on a dating app.

In 2021, the Electoral Commission suffered a cyber-attack, through which China managed to access personal details of those who were registered to vote between 2014 and 2022. 

Cole-Hamilton added: “MSPs are privy to an awful lot of confidential and personal information and by dint of our positions may be attractive targets for malign actors. It’s essential that every member is now offered formal training on how to recognise the work of hackers and scammers and the risks we may face.

“I have asked parliamentary authorities to set up these briefings in order to help myself and my colleagues navigate the traps and the risks.

“I have warned before that we may already be in the early days of a new Cold War. In those circumstances, ratcheting up our levels of care and caution is only sensible.” 

Yesterday, police also charged parliamentary researcher, Chris Cash, who was born in Edinburgh, with espionage offences. Cash and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act after being accused of providing prejudicial information to China.