Charities are being urged to apply for grants which help them understand the risks of cyber crime
Small charities are being urged to apply for support to help them fight cyber crime.
A half a million pound cyber fund was launched this week to help charities and small and medium-sized businesses protect against the most common forms of internet-borne cyber attacks.
Organisations who are eligible can apply for up to £1,000, which will support them to achieve the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
Managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Cyber Essentials Voucher Scheme is available on a first come first served basis to organisations who meet the criteria.
David McNeill, digital director of the SCVO, who is the lead third sector representative on the National Cyber Resilience Leaders’ Board said cyber crime is a risk the sector faces.
He said: “According to the NCSC's Cyber Threat assessment on the UK charity sector, published this year, many charities - particularly smaller ones - do not realise that they hold funds, personal, financial and commercial data that is of interest or monetary value to a range of cyber criminals and other groups, and so do not perceive themselves as targets.
“We would encourage all small and medium sized third sector organisations to consider this grant support being made available by Scottish Government to support their organisational cyber resilience.”
Earlier this year, the private and third sector action plans on cyber resilience were published with the aim to increase awareness of cyber threats and to promote good practice to defend against them, with a strong focus on practical steps to support smaller organisations. As part of those plans this voucher scheme was announced and will also be available to small and medium-sized businesses, organised through the Scottish Enterprise.
For more information and to apply, see the fund's website.
