NCSC to discuss drives to help cyber security thrive in Scotland
22 Nov 2018 11:53 AM
Security experts take part in multi-agency meetings to help cyber security thrive in Scotland.
SECURITY experts will take part in multi-agency meetings in Scotland this week to discuss how they are defending the whole of the UK from cyber attacks – and discuss where improvements can be made.
A working group from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of GCHQ – headed by its Chief Executive Ciaran Martin will further strengthen their relationships with the Scottish devolved government, businesses, academia and law enforcement.
They will meet with the First Minister of Scotland, the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and members of the Scottish Parliament to discuss their efforts to mitigate the effects of cyber crime and other malicious cyber activity.
The visit will also include trips to Scotland’s first Government-approved Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) in the UK at the University of Edinburgh and the National Police College in Tulliallan Castle, for an address to Digital Forensics, Cybercrime Investigators, CCTV specialists and members of Prevent and Protect networks.
Ciaran Martin, Chief Executive of the NCSC, yesterday said:
“Over the last two years we have developed a close working relationship with our partners in Scotland.
“The steps being taking to strengthen public and private sector organisations through the Scottish Government’s cyber resilience action plans are very encouraging.
“We are really excited that NCSC’s flagship events – namely the Cyber First Girls competition final and CYBERUK 2019 – will be held in Scotland which is testament to Scotland’s reputation in the cyber security sector.”
The NCSC provides a single, central body for cyber security for the whole of the UK. Since it became fully operational in 2016, the NCSC has helped to support with 1,167 cyber incidents – including 557 in the last 12 months.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, yesterday said:
“The digital sector is increasingly significant in all aspects of our lives. The National Cyber Security Centre has provided valuable expert support to the Scottish Government’s ongoing work to ensure our nation remains resilient to potential attacks.
“We are delighted to support the CyberFirst Girls competition which every year helps inspire more girls to consider a career in cyber security. We wish all the finalists the best of luck for this year’s final in Edinburgh. CyberFirst Girls helps to identify and nurture the young talent who may ultimately keep our country safe online.
“We are also delighted that the NCSC’s flagship event CYBERUK will next year be hosted in Glasgow, reinforcing Scotland’s profile as a cyber resilient nation in an increasingly digital age.”
During the visit, the delegates will discuss the NCSC’s ongoing commitment to embed cyber security in Scotland.
- Last month it was announced that the NCSC’s flagship event CYBERUK will take place in Glasgow on 24 and 25 April 2019. The annual conference is the largest and most wide ranging event for cyber security leaders and professionals in the UK.
- The final of the NCSC’s CyberFirst Girls 2019 competition will also be held in Scotland for the first time next year, with the top performing pupils in the nationwide contest to find the UK’s most cyber-savvy young women taking place in Edinburgh on 24 and 25 March.
- Last week the NCSC’s Digital Loft was attended by representatives from public sector organisations at the Scottish Government’s Victoria Quay offices. The event brought NCSC technical experts to the community to provide briefings and interactive discussions on cyber security.