Cyber Centre of Excellence hosts Open Day during CyberScotland week

Yesterday (27 February) the NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) , Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) welcomed over 80 NHSScotland and public sector leaders to a special open day as part of Cyber Scotland week.

The special event took the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate the latest investments behind the CCoE, as well as share wider strategic insights about the latest challenges facing the UK and the healthcare sector in particular, in relation to cyber risks.

Scott Barnett, NSS Chief Information Security Officer, commenced the day with an impactful keynote address on the pressing Information Security and Cyber challenges facing modern health and care. He said, “Digital technology is a pivotal force driving every aspect of NHS Scotland today. Our digital infrastructure underpins our daily operations and our most significant clinical advancements. It however also makes us a prime target for cyber threats.”

He continues, “Our open day provided a crucial platform for us, as leaders, to confront these challenges head-on. It allowed us to reflect on the rapid advancements and strategic investments of the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence over the last few years, as it has grown its ability to support and advise NHS Scotland’s boards and the broader health and care community. Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our NHS from cybercrime.”

Attendees at the event were treated to an immersive experience as they toured the facilities, situated in Abertay University’s cyberQuarter in the heart of Dundee, and observed the Security Operations Centre (SOC) in action.

A highlight of the day was a cyber crisis simulation using Immersive Labs real-time simulation platform, and delivered by CCoE solutions partners, Core to Cloud. Bob Wylie, Information and Cyber Security Manager at NHS24 comments, ”Seeing and understanding the Core to Cloud demonstration recently has very much given us the appetite to take it forward and use the service as part of our cyber readiness programme. It’s an enormously practical and effective method to challenge us in how we plan and ensure our overall resilience and readiness in relation to cyberattacks.”

A wide range of crisis scenarios are available to health boards to aid organisations in building and strengthening robust crisis leadership.

With thanks to our CCoE partners—Abertay University, Systal Systems, Core to Cloud, and the Scottish Government—for their insightful presentations and valuable contributions throughout the day. We also express our thanks to all health and care leaders who attended.