The Scottish Government has announced a new cyber observatory to strengthen protection against online threats, according to an official update published on 5 November.
The initiative forms part of a refreshed Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, setting out measures to improve awareness, training and digital security across public services.
The observatory, which will be run by the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre, will collect and analyse threat data to provide early warnings for public bodies, including local councils, NHS boards and schools. The aim, officials said, is to identify risks before they cause disruption and to help organisations act quickly against emerging attacks.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the refreshed strategy recognises that “cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it is our shared responsibility to meet the challenges facing Scotland.” She added that digital safety was essential for protecting the “websites, apps, systems, and data” that underpin daily life and public services.
Alongside the observatory, the government has pledged £300,000 for the Cyber Security Upskilling Fund to help public sector staff build expertise and will expand cyber learning opportunities across schools, colleges and universities. The updated framework sets out a long-term vision to embed resilience into the design of systems and safeguard Scotland’s digital infrastructure.
Karen Meechan, chief executive of ScotlandIS and chair of the CyberScotland Partnership, said the plan highlights the importance of partnership across sectors. “A cyber resilient Scotland is built on collaboration,” she said. “Our resilience depends on our shared commitment to act, learn and support one another.”
On which Planet will they be building it ?
Scotland is way ahead of everybody then? Scotland is a fantasy land. Pity for its citizens.