Businesses in Scotland are being urged to sign up to a free digital tool which monitors the threats from cybercriminals.
Police CyberAlarm helps businesses, who are part of the scheme, to understand and monitor malicious cyber activity.
Members of the scheme benefit from regular reports showing suspicious and potentially malicious attack activity on their firewall and internet gateway. The report also details how the business is being attacked and from where, in order that they can improve their cyber resilience.
Police CyberAlarm also assists Police Scotland officers identify current threats and take enforcement action against cybercriminals and benefit any public and private sector business with a computer network, including SMEs, organisations, charities, education establishments and local government.
Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said:
“People and businesses are spending more and more time online and it is almost impossible to trade without a computer network or website.
“The threat from cybercriminals is now ever present and Police Scotland’s priority is to keep everyone safe, and that incudes in the digital world. This is even more important with criminals continuing to use any method at their disposal to exploit vulnerabilities.
“Cyber security should be a priority for every business. There has never been a more appropriate time to make use of any system that can make them more cyber resilient.
“I would urge businesses to take the opportunity to sign up to the Police CyberAlarm scheme.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“Improving cyber resilience remains a key priority for the Scottish Government. As a nation of small and medium sized companies, we work with partners, including Police Scotland, to raise awareness and support organisations to improve their cyber defences, which is key to their operational and business continuity.
“As a free digital tool, I would encourage businesses to sign up to Police CyberAlarm. The technology helps firms understand the risks they face online and assists Police Scotland to work with organisations so they can prepare to respond to cyber-attacks effectively. We want to make the most of technological advances while keeping Scotland digitally safe and secure.”
The scheme, funded by the Home Office, was made available to all forces and regions by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Cybercrime Programme in 2020 and since its launch has identified over a billion potential suspicious events resulting in reports and advice being given to members, enabling them to take action to prevent a successful attack.
Businesses can sign up and become a member of the Police CyberAlarm scheme here.
