UK Security Minister visits cyber fraud experts with aim to boost business security

29.01.24

Cyber

MBE VR MP Tom Tugendhat Minister of Security visited the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in Edinburgh alongside centre partner Police Scotland, to discuss current and next steps to support Scotland’s businesses when it comes to combatting cyber fraud.

As cyber and fraud crime continues to raise major concerns throughout the country, the National Cyber Security Centre announced last week that they strongly urge UK businesses to strengthen their cyber security measures as much as possible.

CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, Jude McCorry, took Mr Tugendhat through the role of the organisation in supporting Scotland’s businesses to be resilient in the face of increasing cybercrime. The success of the Triage Hub pilot, which was launched in May last year, was also discussed.

The Triage Hub aims to bring cyber security partners, including Police Scotland, leading financial institutions and Cyber Fraud Centre – Scotland’s incident response team together to collaborate, share intelligence, disrupt large criminal gang activity, deliver support to victims and recover stolen funds.

During its trial period, the hub worked on cases totalling almost £10 million of fraudulently obtained money by collaborating and liaising with high street banks including Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Metro and HSBC.

Jude McCorry CEO at Cyber Fraud Centre – Scotland said: “Hosting the UK security minister, Mr Tugendhat, at the Cyber and Fraud Centre was a real pleasure. With the latest announcement made by the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre to encourage UK businesses to strengthen their cyber security, it is essential that initiatives like the Triage Hub and our free Incident Response Line continue to offer vital support to our business community.

“18,000 fraud calls are received by Police Scotland each year with around 95% being cyber-enabled and committed using an online device, demonstrating an increase in demand for cyber security support as the threat of cyber-attacks and fraud persists for organisations across the UK.”

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, Police Scotland’s lead for its Policing in a Digital World Programme, said: “The visit by the UK’s Security Minister recognises the important role played by Police Scotland, the Cyber and Fraud Centre and other partners, including our national law enforcement colleagues, in tackling the increase in cybercrime and fraud across the country, not just Scotland.

 “The nature of criminality continues to change, and we know criminals will take every opportunity to exploit our communities. Police Scotland is also changing and continues to work in partnership with organisations such as the Cyber and Fraud Centre to advise businesses and the wider community on how to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime and investigate any reported crimes.

“The recent success of the Cyber and Fraud Triage Hub shows what can be done and underlines the collective commitment to keeping people and businesses safe in the digital world while continuing to disrupt the activities who commit crimes in this environment.”

Whilst on his visit, Mr Tugendhat also discussed with the Cyber and Fraud Centre their recent success stories and their ambitions for 2024.