SCOTTISH businesses are being given a unique opportunity to gain exclusive advice on how to combat the menace of cyber crime as part of the Scotland’s first ever e-Crime Summit.
Companies registered to attend e-Crime Scotland’s Summit will be invited to take part in a survey to test the security of their IT systems – with the results being used to form the basis of a key report and discussion on the day.
Organised by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency e-Crime Unit, the data will seek anonymous responses on processes and networks, and will include the following questions:
- How secure is your IT supplier?
- How often do you access business information from your home pc?
- Does your business allow colleagues to bring in ipads or other devices to work?
e-Crime Scotland has been developed through the Scottish Financial Crime Group and is working with key partners in the Scottish Business Crime Centre(SBCC), Scottish law enforcement, Scottish Government and the wider business community to equip Scottish businesses with the knowledge and tools to be aware, vigilant, informed and ultimately safe from the destructive effects of e-Crime in all its forms.
Gary Ritchie, assistant director of SBCC, said: “Cyber crime is not a fad. It is a clear and present danger for all businesses, regardless of size or sector. We estimate that Scots businesses are losing around £5bn a year to cyber criminals. That is an enormous amount that should concern every business boss and employee in Scotland.
“Businesses are constantly embracing new technology and utilising the benefits these can bring, but many are unaware of the risks involved from e criminals who – in turn – look to use the technology to rob or cripple firms.
“The survey will be a unique opportunity to gain an insight into how any business in Scotland can fall victim to cyber crime.
“By identifying simple businesses operations – which may appear to be safe and secure – we should be to pinpoint the actions which could open the door for online criminals to easily raid contacts, steal identities and infiltrate bank accounts.
“But by educating businesses of these dangers, we can make a significant step to help firms to arm themselves against the cyber criminal.
“Much of the threat of e-crime can be eradicated by simple and inexpensive measures and the summit will look to use the survey findings to highlight ways in which firms can start to beat e-crime.”
Additionally, as part of a unique first time offer, three selected businesses will be given an opportunity at the Summit to receive confidential one-to-one advice on potential areas of resilience they may wish to work on.
Gary added: “Those chosen will be able to discuss, in complete confidence, areas of concern with their IT structures and networks, and measures they should undertake to stop any threats.
“It gives them the opportunity to take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise these key speakers will be bringing to the summit.”
The Summit marks a major step forward for e-Crime Scotland in its battle against cyber crime – its website www.ecrimescotland.org.uk outlines a range of advice and measures, including a series of downloadable guides on all areas of e-Crime.
Registrations are now being accepted for the Summit which is taking place at RBS HQ at Gogarburn on May 22. The costs are £25 for Scottish Business Crime Centre members or £40 for non-members. To book contact events@sbcc.org.uk .
More information about the e-Crime Scotland Summit can be found at www.ecrimescotland.org.uk or the Scottish Business Crime Centre website www.sbcc.org.uk.
Issued on behalf of the Scottish Business Crime Centre by Holyrood Partnership on 0131 561 2244 or info@holyroodpr.co.uk
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