CyberScotland Week events highlights growing impact of the sector 

CyberScotland Week, which ran virtually from 22 to 28 February 2021, brought together over 90 organisations and 140 unique events, to educate, inform and support cyber resilience in Scotland.

The number of events doubled from 70 in 2020, highlighting the growth of and interest in the sector in Scotland over the past 12 months. A host of world-renowned cyber experts took to the virtual stage to provide attendees with valuable insights across topics such as cyber protection, innovation, skills and careers.

Ciara Mitchell, Head of Cyber at ScotlandIS, said: “From the smallest of community groups to the largest of businesses, cyber awareness and skills really matter. This year’s CyberScotland Week demonstrated the growing interest and awareness of cyber security across Scottish society and business.

“As well as shining a spotlight on the issue, it has also demonstrated the strength and depth of expertise in Scotland, which is increasingly recognised internationally as a hub for cyber and tech skills. With a burgeoning cyber sector, a new national portal for information and centres of academic excellence, Scotland is a global leader in cyber security.”

One Facebook Live event for parents, carers and children discussing online safety saw over 2,000 attendees participate. The event was hosted by online safety expert and Cybersafe Founder Annabel Turner, and included DS Lesley Clarke from Police Scotland, Dr Joshi from CAMHS and Child Protection expert Hannah Bennett to discuss how children are coping online during the second Covid-19 lockdown, with a focus on online health and wellbeing. To date the event has been viewed more than 4,500 times.

Cybersafe Founder Annabel Turner, said: “It was such a pleasure to be a part of Cyber Scotland Week and to join all of the efforts of Scotland’s Cyber Community to raise awareness of cyber safety and cyber security. New Police Scotland data shows another sharp increase in cyber incidents where the victim is a child or young person in Scotland, so this is such a critical time to have been able to raise more awareness about how we keep children and young people safe online and to present our ongoing work.” FutureScot’s own Public Sector Cyber Resilience conference – featuring former NCSC chief executive Ciaran Martin and SEPA chief executive Terry A’Hearn – attracted over 300 delegates from across the UK.