The Scottish technology sector has a chance to showcase its best and brightest innovations at Cyber Scotland Week, which takes place online next month, from 22–28 February.
This year’s virtual event is centred on the theme of cyber resilience, providing a virtual space where experts, influencers and aspiring digital professionals can convene to talk about all things cyber.
Delivered by partners and stakeholders across business, industry, education, and the third and public sectors, the virtual event will include a range of free webinars, resources and learning opportunities to an expected audience of 124,000+, based off last year’s audience. The programme has been specifically designed to “make Scotland a more secure and resilient place to live and work”.
The digital stage will be graced by a selection of cyber experts, sharing invaluable knowledge and insights on topics such as innovation, cyber protection, digital skills and careers.
“Cyber is no longer an IT issue – it affects all of us in many ways” – Karen Meechan, interim CEO, ScotlandIS
LeadScotland, Barclays, Forensic Analytics and Highlands & Islands Enterprise are just some of the organisations set to share their expertise in sessions including:
- Online scams: how to spot them and what to do
- How to successfully embed cybersecurity into your organisation’s culture
- Your digital footprint: what does the internet know about you?
- Remote auditing: dos and don’ts
With COVID-19 forcing our daily activities to migrate to the online realm for the foreseeable, it’s no surprise that global cyber threats have been rising. In September 2020, a CheckPoint study revealed that the global education sector had seen a 20% increase in cyber-attacks between July and August. On top of this, recent Gov.UK data showed that 46% of businesses and charities experienced a cyber-attack last year; 33% of whom claimed to have experienced a breach at least once a week – up from 22% in 2017.
And with the Acronis Cyberthreats Report describing the next 12 months as the potential ‘year of extortion’ amid the remote learning and working revolution, cybersecurity is a growing concern as we progress through 2021 and beyond.
“Cybersecurity has never been more important, with even more elements of society and business moving online during the pandemic than ever before,” said Karen Meechan, interim CEO of ScotlandIS. “Cyber is no longer an IT issue – it affects all of us in many ways. The industry is a crucial contributor to Scotland’s economic growth, and we’re thrilled to showcase the invaluable work and innovation across the sector throughout Cyber Scotland Week.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to put together a fantastic online programme packed with celebrated speakers and relevant topics which will enlighten and inspire.”
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