The Scottish Government has announced funding of more than £1million to grow the country’s cyber security industry.
It comes amid warnings last week that North Sea oil operators may not be fully equipped to tackle international cyber attacks.
The new funding will go to Scottish Enterprise to exploit growth opportunities for increasing demand for cyber security goods.
That includes £370,000 to create a “cluster” management organisation for cyber security, £250,000 to stimulate cyber-specific innovation and £500,000 for a cyber-essentials voucher scheme for small and medium-sized third and private sector organisations.
It follows industry leaders also warning last week that smaller oil and gas supply chain firms may be a target for cyber attacks, rather than just operators.
The aim of the fund is to develop cyber-security goods and services in Scotland to meet increasing demand.
Scottish economy secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Cyber Resilience Economic Opportunity Action Plan sets out the key practical steps the Scottish Government and key partners will take collectively to support the growth of Scotland’s cyber security firms.
“It aims to encourage the development of innovative cyber security research and deliver world-leading cyber security goods and services.
“As the cyber threat increases, demand for cyber security goods and service increases. There is an opportunity for Scotland’s cyber security businesses to reap the benefits of this growing demand.”
