Edinburgh fintech offers secure email service for free to combat rise in cybercrime

Edinburgh fintech Origo is teaming up with a cyber security specialist to offer its encrypted email service for free during the coronavirus pandemic, as authorities warn businesses and the public of an increasing threat from cyber criminals.

Origo MD Anthony Rafferty warns of an increasing risk of cybercrime during the coronavirus crisis.

The capital firm’s Unipass Mailock secure email platform – operated in partnership with English group Beyond Encryption – will be made available to users within financial advisors free of charge for two months.

Origo said the move will help to protect the communications and data of businesses and their clients, as Unipass Mailock prevents email hacking and enables the secure transmission of sensitive personal, financial, medical or policy information.

It comes as authorities are issuing warnings about the potential rise in cases of cybercrime as fraudsters take advantage of the disruption businesses are experiencing to their normal working arrangements, along with peoples’ fears around the Covid-19 crisis.

Anthony Rafferty, managing director of Origo, said: “The threat (of cybercrime) has been heightened in these unusual times as financial firms are adapting quickly to an escalating situation and many businesses are operating in unfamiliar remote working arrangements to ensure that they can continue to service clients, and at possibly the busiest time of year.

“Origo and Beyond Encryption want to help support firms in this time of heightened risk.

“Our hope is that this action will help safeguard businesses over the coming months by enabling firms and their clients to securely and easily send documents and emails, and without having to suffer the costs and delays of using the post.”