Cyber Security - It's Everyone's Responsibility, Especially at the Top - Cyber and Fraud Centre

If there’s one message I want to hammer home, it’s this – cyber security is not just an IT issue. Yet, in many public and third sector organisations, it’s still seen as something for the ‘tech team’ to worry about.

This mindset leaves organisations dangerously exposed. Cyber criminals know these sectors hold vast amounts of valuable data, often lack cyber security expertise and are under constant budget pressure to make each penny count. The consequences of an attack – disrupted services, financial losses, reputational damage – can be devastating.

So why isn’t cyber security a bigger priority at the top?

The simple answer is apathy. Not because leaders don’t care, but because it often feels like a complex, technical issue they’re not equipped to deal with. But senior executives don’t need to be cyber experts. They do, however, need to understand the risks, ask the right questions of their teams, and create a culture where cyber security is taken seriously at every level.

That’s exactly why we are running a Cyber Executive Education Programme in Edinburgh on 20^th March, designed specifically for public and third sector leaders. The event isn’t about technical jargon or finger pointing, it’s about giving decision-makers the confidence to take ownership of cyber risks.

What happens at the course?

Throughout the day, participants will gain:

A clear understanding of the cyber risks facing their sector.
Practical steps to improve their resilience, no matter the size or shape of the organisation.
Insights from leading experts and real-life case studies from public and third sector leaders who have gone through attacks and will share their experiences.
The ability to challenge and support their teams, building a strong cyber security culture.

This programme is about shifting responsibility from ‘someone else’s problem’ to a core leadership issue. In today’s world, cyber security is not optional – it’s essential.

If you are a leader in the public or third sectors, I urge you to register today. With the help of sponsors Aspire Technology Solutions and Anderson Strathern, we are able to offer some funded spaces, so there’s no excuse not to book your place. The cost of inaction is too high, and no organisation is too small to be a target.

The best defence any organisation can have is a well-informed leadership team that’s ready to take cyber security seriously.

Find out more about our Cyber Executive Education Programme and book here.

Jude McCorry

CEO, Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland

13.03.25