The Scottish Government has published for consultation a strategy for cyber resilience in Scotland. A Cyber Resilience Strategy for Scotland: Safe, Secure and Prosperous Online seeks views from individuals and organisations, across sectors, on how Scotland can become even more resilient from cyber-attacks and crime when using online technologies.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said: “The internet is part of all of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, for information, enjoyment and play. It offers incredible opportunities for Scottish businesses, however no one is immune to cyber risks.
“Being digitally connected brings increased opportunities for those who seek to exploit the very same technology for criminal purposes such as threats of fraud and abuse. In using the internet in our everyday lives, we must accept this is now the norm and we all must become more resilient to such attacks. Last year, we gave a commitment in Programme for Government to develop and bring forward a cyber-resilience strategy that will take a positive approach to developing cyber resilience in Scotland, for the benefit of our people and our economy.
“We want people to feel confident online and safely use the internet, where businesses can prosper, where our children are not exploited, and where online public services are resilient as well as simple to use. This consultation seeks to gather your views on what we can all do to become more informed and more resilient online. We are committed to building cyber resilience amongst our communities, our businesses and our public services.”
And Mandy Haeburn-Little, Director of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, said: “This is such an important issue for any size of business. Scotland has a proud history of innovation and we are committed to ensuring that this continues to be the case and that Scotland is a safe and secure place to trade, work and live.
“All too often we hear of businesses feeling uncertain or lacking in confidence when it comes to understanding online security. I am delighted that the Scottish Government is taking a collaborative approach to tackle the increasing digital challenges facing our businesses, particularly small to medium enterprises – the lifeblood of the Scottish economy.”
