New cyber security partnership formed to increase Scotland’s resilience to threats

Ten organisations have come together to form a new cyber security partnership in an effort to boost Scotland’s resilience to online threats.

The CyberScotland Partnership will make sure individuals and organisations throughout Scotland can easily access correct and up-to-date guidance on cyber security.

Organisations involved the partnership include the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC).

The other partners are Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, ScotlandIS, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Young Scot, Skills Development Scotland and Education Scotland. 

In addition, the UK National Cyber Security Centre will work with the partnership as a technical adviser.

The collaboration’s first action was to create the CyberScotland.com website, which was launched week as part of CyberScotland Week.

The Scottish Government-funded website is a single online resource for individuals and organisations in the public, private, and third sectors seeking information and support on cyber security and resilience issues.

It also has information on skills development for anyone seeking to start a career in cyber security.  

Earlier this week the Scottish Government also launched its Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, which sets out what needs to be done to ensure Scotland is prepared to withstand cyber threats, particularly as it increases uses of new AI and 5G technologies.

Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Innovation and Public Finance, said: “The new Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, launched by the Deputy First Minister earlier this week, outlines Scotland’s intention to be a digitally secure and resilient nation.

“The CyberScotland Partnership will help drive forward this ambition. 

“As well as providing advice and guidance, improved coordination of skills opportunities, the partnership will help to promote Scotland’s flourishing cyber security products and service industry.

“Greater awareness of the cyber risks leads to greater demand for solutions and our cyber security industry can produce innovative solutions and offer high quality employment. 

“The organisations involved in this partnership play leading roles in effectively delivering the new strategic framework. 

“A formal collaboration will further increase our effectiveness and reduce duplication of effort.

“The partnership will further reinforce Scotland as a global leader in the battle against cybercrime and a champion for ensuring a secure online environment for all.”

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, said: “The events of 2020 drove home the importance of remaining focused on cyber security. 

“The reliance on technology for work and socialising grew alongside a corresponding rise in cyber attacks.

“The SBRC has discussed the formation of a collaboration between the organisations involved in the CyberScotland Partnership for some time, as we have seen some confusion from the public about where to get the support they need.

“Together, we can improve awareness and share knowledge of cyber security threats around Scotland.

“The CyberScotland.com website is a seamless solution to ensure everyone can access the right information from the right source.”