Scottish Enterprise given £1m to drive growth in cybersecurity

The Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise will work with partners to explore economic growth opportunities of the increasing demand for cybersecurity goods.

Scottish Enterprise will receive just over £1 million to drive growth in the cybersecurity industry, including £370,000 for the creation of a cluster management organisation, £500,000 for a “Cyber Essentials” voucher scheme for small and medium-sized third and private sector organisations and £250,000 to stimulate cyber-specific innovation.

Finance 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.”

David Smith, director of technology, engineering and construction at Scottish Enterprise, said: “I’m delighted that through this plan we’re recognising the contribution that cyber security can make to our digital economy, and I’m looking forward to working with our partners to support the growth of the cyber security cluster in Scotland.”