Credit: Pixabay

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

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

Related content

• Scotland backs cyber skills push
• Robots, connectivity and digital skills: progress on digital in Scotland
• Digital sector accounts for one in five workers in Scotland’s major cities

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 site is a single online resource for individuals and organisations in the public, private, and third sectors seeking information and support on cybersecurity and resilience issues.

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

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, Scottish Government minister for trade, innovation and public finance, said: “As well as providing advice and guidance, improved coordination of skills opportunities, the partnership will help to promote Scotland’s flourishing cybersecurity 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.”

He added: “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.”