Holyrood planning strategy to tackle cyber crime

The Scottish Government want people to feel safer online. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that while digital technology provides opportunities for individuals and organisations, it also comes with the risk of online fraud and abuse.

Ministers are now seeking views from the public on the new Cyber Resilience Strategy for Scotland - which has been brought forward after a pledge last year.

Mr Swinney said: “The internet is part of all of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, for information, enjoyment and play.

“It offers incredible opportunities for Scottish businesses, however no-one is immune to cyber risks.

“Being digitally connected brings increased opportunities for those who seek to exploit the very same technology for criminal purposes such as threats of fraud and abuse.

“In using the internet in our everyday lives, we must accept this is now the norm and we all must become more resilient to such attacks.”

The Deputy First Minister said the Scottish Government had made a commitment in last year’s programme for government to “develop and bring forward a cyber-resilience strategy that will take a positive approach to developing cyber resilience in Scotland, for the benefit of our people and our economy”.

He stated: “We want people to feel confident online and safely use the internet, where businesses can prosper, where our children are not exploited and where online public services are resilient as well as simple to use.

“This consultation seeks to gather your views on what we can all do to become more informed and more resilient online.

“We are committed to building cyber resilience amongst our communities, our businesses and our public services.”

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