CYBERSECURITY is constantly in the news and now key public bodies and leading firms are to endorse a new awards ceremony that will recognise Scotland’s commitment to excellence in the field, writes Greg Russell.
The awards, which will take place in November, will feature categories celebrating innovative new technologies, good practice in small and large companies and progress in the education sector.
The ceremony has multi-agency support from the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), Scottish Enterprise (SE), Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and a number of industry sponsors, including business services group, PwC.
The awards will be timed to coincide with the anniversary of the launch of the Scottish Government’s national cyber resilience strategy, which enshrined the ambition that Scotland should become a lead nation for cyber resilience. It will also become part of an ongoing programme of activity with SE and the SBRC, including an annual cyber conference and the well-established Christmas lectures for schools.
The strategy emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to cyber security, further enhancing the role of the SBRC in working with organisations to establish best practice.
SBRC director, Mandy Haeburn-Little, said: “The decision to create Scotland’s first national cyber awards is a very significant step for Scotland.
“Not only does it follow closely on the launch of our cyber resilience strategy, it also underlines very clearly the importance and value being placed on cyber innovation and security at national level.
“This is a very exciting step and will be open to all sizes of company. Scotland has a unique and really proud history of innovation and SBRC is delighted to be partner to these prestigious awards.”
Martin Beaton, cybersecurity network integrator for Scotland, said cybercrime affects everyone, adding: “
Scotland is making great advances in mitigating this threat and the awards dinner is a way to recognise the progress Scotland is making in the areas of education and industry.”
The full list of categories for the awards, which will include most innovative product or service and best use of technology for consumers, will be announced soon.
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