Through three decades of fighting cyber crime, I’ve seen threats become more complex and severe.
Scotland, like the rest of the world, is experiencing an alarming surge in cyber attacks. In 2021-22, an estimated 14,280 cyber crimes were recorded by Police Scotland – almost double the number a few years before.
Cyber crime can manifest itself in many forms, but it boils down to one key factor: the malicious intent to disrupt and cause harm. Such harm ranges from individuals losing their private data, to the hacking of critical infrastructure.
The question then is: if we are aware of rising rates of cyber crime and the catastrophic effects, why are we not investing more into cyber security or taking advantage of available technologies and services to fight it?
Sadly, many people still feel cyber crime only happens to large corporations or wealthy individuals. However, it has long moved away from high-profile targets, meaning anyone is at risk.
The constant movement of information through electronic devices and networks is a massive opportunity for cyber criminals to exploit – making everyone vulnerable.
It is time for Scotland and the Scottish Government to lead the way globally in cyber security by establishing digital resilience as an essential public service, just like health, education, or physical security.
Cyber security and its implementation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to protect everyone from identity theft, financial fraud and other malicious online attacks.
Scotland should establish itself as the global thought leader in cyberspace by taking a more proactive and innovative stance. The stakes are just too high for complacency. We cannot afford to let cyber criminals continue to run rampant while we sit idly by.
Simply put, cyber attacks are on the rise and Scotland should be a world-leader in defending against it.
Critical infrastructures should take note of the recent attacks and take proactive measures to prevent future breaches. The importance of cyber security must be emphasised and taken into consideration when planning budgets and procedures.
Managed security service providers can offer capabilities and services that provide elevated levels of real-time, real-world protection against cyber attacks on businesses. These services include date ex-filtration at the press of a button and artificial intelligence-based algorithms to protect critical infrastructure.
Developing adequate defences is a far cheaper option than recovering from the business version of a serious heart attack, which too many companies suffer; even when it’s largely avoidable.
Mike Loginov is the head of cyber security at Glasgow-based Systal Technological Solutions
