Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland calls for action to close legal gaps exploited by cyber criminals at inaugural event at The Scottish Parliament - Cyber and Fraud Centre

From left: Jude McCorry, CEO Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, Eddie Hawthorne, former CEO of Arnold Clark, Claire Adamson MSP (Deputy Presiding Officer) and Calum Kerr MSP.
Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. 23 Sep 2026.
Copyright photograph by Tina Norris 07775 593 830. © Photo by Tina Norris

Former Arnold Clark CEO Eddie Hawthorne shares experience of major cyberattack at Scottish Parliament event

The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland has called for further action to protect businesses, public bodies and individuals from cybercrime and the exploitation of stolen data.

The call follows an event hosted by the Centre and Calum Kerr MSP at the Scottish Parliament, bringing together politicians, business leaders and cyber experts to discuss cybercrime, stolen data and victim protection.

MSPs attending included Yi-Pei Chou Turvey MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer Clare Adamson MSP, Cabinet Secretary Ivan McKee MSP, Minister Siobhian Brown MSP, Michelle Campbell MSP and Pauline Stafford MSP.

Former Arnold Clark CEO Eddie Hawthorne spoke powerfully about the impact of the major cyberattack experienced by the company and how he worked with Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland CEO Jude McCorry following the attack.

The discussion highlighted that the harm caused by cybercrime can continue long after an initial attack, with stolen data potentially traded, sold and exploited to facilitate fraud and further criminal activity.

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said;

“Cyberattacks don’t end when systems are restored. Stolen data can continue to be traded and exploited, causing further harm to people and businesses.
“The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland will continue working with politicians, businesses and public bodies in Scotland and across the UK to push for stronger protection for victims and action to address the criminal exploitation of stolen data.”

Eddie Hawthorne, former CEO of Arnold Clark, said;

“Experiencing a major cyberattack first-hand showed me how significant and long-lasting the impact can be.
“We need to ensure businesses have the right support when an attack happens and address the gaps that allow criminals to continue exploiting stolen data afterwards.”

Calum Kerr MSP said;

“Cybercrime affects individuals, businesses and public services across Scotland. After a near 30-year career in IT and technology I’ve seen this firsthand, and I’m keen to take the issue forward. While much of the relevant legislation sits at Westminster, there is much we can and should do in Scotland to strengthen resilience, support victims and make it harder for criminals to profit from stolen data.”
“This discussion demonstrated why we need continued collaboration between government, law enforcement, industry and cyber experts to better protect victims and strengthen Scotland’s resilience.”

For more information, contact Hannah Bardell or Jude McCorry at the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland at [email protected].

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