A ‘cyber observatory’ to help protect Scotland’s public bodies from online threats will be set up as part of a refreshed package of measures to promote the country’s cybersecurity.

The renewed Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland lays out the Scottish Government’s cyber ambitions over the next four years, detailing the actions needed to build resilience in the face of growing threats.

The framework is designed to help citizens, businesses and organisations across Scotland recognise and prepare for ‘inevitable’ cyber threats, and ensure the country stays one step ahead of the most sophisticated attackers.

As part of the plans, the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s (SC3) Cyber Observatory will analyse and share early warnings on cyber threats across the public sector, helping to identify emerging risks so organisations can be proactive in managing online threats.

First launched in the autumn, the Government plans for the Cyber Observatory to grow to capture self-assessed data from organisations such as schools, NHS boards, and the police, through a Cyber Resilience Assessment, gradually adding additional data and analytical capability over time.

As part of the refresh, the Scottish Government is doubling down on its promise to make cyber resilience a ‘lifelong and life-wide journey’, saying it will continue to support the take-up of cybersecurity learning across schools, colleges and universities, as well as pledging £300,000 to the Upskilling Fund that aims to strengthen the cyber skills of public sector workers.

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The Government said that while there are emerging signs of improvement in the public’s online security behaviours, 10% of the country still does not take adequate security measures, making it vital to reinforce progress by continuing to apply behavioural nudges.

“We all rely on websites, apps, systems, and data in our daily lives – and while they bring great benefits, we must ensure they are safe and secure to use,” said Angela Constance, Scottish justice secretary.

“Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it is our shared responsibility to meet the challenges facing Scotland. The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s Cyber Observatory, in particular, will be vital in alerting organisations to potential threats.

“This strategic framework promotes essential collaboration across government and sectors. Those partnerships are vital to keep our people, businesses, and services safe – and for building a digitally secure and resilient Scotland.”