A major cybersecurity gathering is to take place in Edinburgh as online attacks on organisations in Scotland reach a record high.

The event at the city’s famous Balmoral Hotel will focus on the growing threat landscape and feature the head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Lindy Cameron, CEO of the organisation set up in 2016 by the UK Government, will be a keynote speaker at the event on October 27.

She will be joined by Viljar Lubi, Estonian Ambassador to the UK and Scottish Justice Secretary Keith Brown.

Earlier this year Estonia ranked as the third most secure country on the Global Cybersecurity Index. The Baltic nation, which gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, faced its largest cyberattack last month since 2007 after it successfully repelled pro-Kremlin hacking group, Killnet.

The attacks illustrate the growing global risks to national critical infrastructure following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February.

The summit is being hosted by the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration between 16 key organisations including Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre. It is open to everyone to attend, not just the industry.

Audiences will hear from top cyber industry speakers, all focusing on measures to ensure that organisations are alerted to potential threats, able to identify and understand the most common types of cyber attacks, and learn how to avoid becoming a victim.

Speakers will also address the skills and gender gaps in cyber crime prevention.

Experts from member organisations of the CyberScotland Partnership will be available to showcase the cyber crime prevention services and support on offer.

Jude McCorry, Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership, said: “This summit is coming at a time of huge importance for the cyber sector. Digital attacks on organisations have reached a record high in Scotland; it is vital for the business community in our country to come together and combat this ongoing scourge. 

“The responsibility to help Scotland be digitally resilient – and a safe place to conduct online business – falls on all of us, not just people working in tech. We welcome anyone interested in knowing more about fighting back against cyber crime, whether they work in the public, private, or third sector.”

Lindy Cameron, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, added: “The CyberScotland Summit is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experience that will provide Scottish businesses with the best tools to defend themselves against the latest cyber threats. 

“With an ever-evolving threat landscape, it’s vital that we are able to come together and support one another to stay ahead of those who seek to do us harm. I look forward to speaking to fellow delegates about the measures they are taking to future proof the UK’s public and private sector organisations from cyber attacks.”

The CyberScotland Summit will take place on October 27 at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh to coincide with European Cyber Awareness Week. Organisers expect as many as 200 people to attend.

For more information, or to register for free tickets, visit: https://www.cyberscotland.com/summit/