Editorial

Scotland launches CyberScotland Partnership

Scottish Government among organisations that have formed a new initiative to help boost Scotland’s cyber resilience

Posted 24 February 2021 by Christine Horton


Ten organisations in Scotland, including Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), have joined together to have form the CyberScotland Partnership. The organisation’s goal is to ensure individuals and businesses throughout Scotland have access to correct and up-to-date guidance on cybersecurity and resilience.

The participants in the initiative are: Scottish Government, Cyber Resilience Unit; Police Scotland; Scottish Business Resilience Centre; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Scottish Enterprise; Scotland IS; Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations; Young Scot; Skills Development Scotland; and Education Scotland.   The UK National Cybersecurity Centre joins the partnership as a technical advisor.

Funded by the Scottish Government, CyberScotland.com provides information across a range of cybersecurity and resilience issues, as well as skills development for anyone seeking to start a career in cybersecurity.  

“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,” said Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Innovation and Public Finance.”

McKee said the Scottish cybersecurity 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,” he said. “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, SBRC CEO, said the organisation has discussed the formation of a collaboration between the organisations involved in the CyberScotland Partnership for some time. He said there has been “some confusion from the public about where to get the support they need.”

“Together, we can improve awareness and share knowledge of cybersecurity threats around Scotland. The CyberScotland.com website is a seamless solution to ensure everyone can access the right information from the right source.”