SCOTLAND could become a world leader in cyber resilience, according to the Deputy First Minister. And John Swinney has set out a new strategy to make sure it happens.
He told the National Economic Forum in Edinburgh yesterday that digital technology brought huge benefits to the country, but could also be used to defraud people and businesses, steal intellectual property, bully vulnerable people or damage critical infrastructure.
The new initiative – Safe, Secure and Prosperous: A Cyber Resilience Strategy for Scotland – sets out how individuals and businesses can increase their online sturdiness and enable Scotland to become a world leader in the field.
It was developed following public consultation earlier this year and lays out a series of desired outcomes for the country by 2020. These include making sure people are ready to make the most of digital technologies safely; that businesses and organisations recognise digital risks and are well prepared to manage them; and that we have a global reputation as a secure place to live and learn, and to set up and invest in business.
The strategy sets out priorities for key partners to implement across Scotland, focusing on four themes – leadership and partnership working; awareness raising and communication; education, skills and professional development; and research and innovation.
It also lists simple steps everyone can take to become safer online, among them creating strong passwords, installing anti-virus software and software updates, as these often contain security upgrades.
“The growth of the internet and other digital networks has brought speed, agility, efficiency and access to technologies that have transformed the way we do business, socialise and provide key services,” said Swinney.
“Individuals and businesses increasingly rely on online connectivity, and thanks to widening trade partners, more innovation and greater competition, this is helping to grow our economy.
“Cyber-attacks can happen to any individual or organisation no matter of size or geography.
“It has been estimated that as much as 80 per cent of cyber-crime can be prevented by getting the cyber basics right such as updating software, good passwords and regular system backups.”
He added: “We have a responsibility to ensure people in Scotland are educated and empowered to exploit digital opportunities for their personal and professional development whilst having the skills to protect themselves from harm and exploitation online. This strategy is the first step in achieving that goal.”
Mandy Haeburn-Little, director of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, said: “This is the first time we can really look together towards a more digitally-secure Scotland.
“Scotland has such a proud and renowned name for innovation and digital opportunities in our businesses and homes and we are all about embracing this and making it happen in a way that is right for Scotland.
“The consultation that formed this strategy clearly shows we want to embrace opportunity and make Scotland more resilient, effective and more accessible. We want to make Scotland an even better place to live, work and invest.”
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