Government and private sector must work closer together on cyber
Keeping you up-to-date with news and analysis across the public technology and innovation sector.
This week, we bring you news of a call from the former director of the US's National Security Agency (NSA) for governments to work closer with private industry on protecting critical national networks. Admiral Michael S. Rogers (Ret'd) called for closer cooperation to defend digital infrastructure from hackers at Futurescot's Cyber Security conference in Glasgow on Tuesday.
Read our coverage in full below, as well as the rest of our tech stories from the week. Don't forget to get in touch with your stories at [email protected] or send a tweet or DM to @futurescot_news, and please share with your colleagues.
CYBER
Government and private sector must work closer together on cyber
The former chief of the National Security Agency (NSA) in the US has said that government must work more closely with the private sector to fend off cyberattacks.
Admiral Michael S. Rogers (Ret’d), the former NSA director and Commander of US Cyber Command, said it is not ‘optimal’ for specialist government agencies to have to rely on being told when a network intrusion occurs, especially when it comes to critical national infrastructure. MORE?
We mustn't be complacent?
A rare window was given this week into the inner workings of perhaps one of Scotland’s most well-known organisations as it recovered from a devastating cyberattack.
Arnold Clark, the ubiquitous car retailer, fell victim to the Russia-linked Play ransomware gang on December 23, 2022, crippling its computer systems just before the Christmas break. MORE?
Observatory boost to public sector
The Scottish Government has launched a market engagement exercise ahead of plans to create a national ‘cyber observatory’ protecting public sector bodies. MORE?
Cyber hub supported 228 individuals?
A Scottish cyber and fraud triage service launched in July last year has helped 228 individuals caught up in online scams and cybercrime. The Cyber and Fraud Hub – a charity that works closely with the banking industry, policing, and technology partners – has been involved with investigations worth ￡8 million in its first six months, new figures show. MORE?
DATA
New centre to support data-driven innovation in manufacturing
A new centre designed to support process manufacturing industries with next-generation technologies is officially opening in North Ayrshire today. The Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DMPC) aims to stimulate economic growth and help position the region as a leader in smart manufacturing and digital skills.?MORE??
SPACE
Laser focus for Scottish space mission
Scottish-built laser technology will play a part in a space mission that aims to uncover the mysteries of the Big Bang theory and the origins of the universe. New optical benches will be constructed at a lab facility in Edinburgh to send and receive laser beams over a 2.5 million kilometre distance between spacecraft and Earth to help scientists engaged in gravitational research. MORE?
EDUCATION
Tech partnership set to boost STEM education in Scotland
A partnership between Scotland’s digital tech trade body and a leading supplier will help support a group of students pursuing STEM careers. ScotlandIS and Telefónica Tech UK&I will work together on the second year of a scholarship programmed aimed at bridging the skills gap faced by the tech sector. MORE?
CAMPAIGN
Optimising Microsoft licensing together
A new Futurescot campaign, in partnership with Brightsolid, is set to bring to light the often-overlooked complexities of Microsoft licensing and the significant financial opportunities hidden within proper management and optimisation. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among public sector and corporate leaders in Scotland about the potential cost savings and operational benefits they can achieve by understanding and addressing their Microsoft licensing structures.
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?BRIEFINGS
Scotland in EU digital health ecosystem
Scotland should be “immensely proud” of being named the sole UK collaborator on a major pan-European programme aimed at transforming healthcare through digital innovation says formal NHS partner, InnoScot Health. MORE?
Digital Justice & Policing in Action
Sopra Steria, in partnership with Salesforce, is delighted to invite you to an exclusive interactive session on how AI is transforming the Justice sector. In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, discover how Sopra Steria and Salesforce are helping Justice Agencies and Police Forces innovate, reduce demand, cut handling times, and enhance citizen satisfaction. MORE?
Five projects receive funding to support public engagement
Research Data Scotland (RDS) has awarded over ￡34,000 to five projects through its Public Engagement Fund in 2025-26. MORE?
PUBLIC SECTOR IT CONTRACTS
North Lanarkshire council awards community alarm digital devices contract
North Lanarkshire council has awarded a ￡494,000 contract to Cramlington-based Legrand Electric Ltd for Community Alarm Digital Devices. MORE?
CalMac Ferries in market for Starlink connectivity solution?
CalMac has commenced a procurement exercise to 'collaborate with a Starlink provider capable of scaling and installing additional Starlink services across the network, both maritime and shore-side'.?MORE?
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