Tag: Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland

Cyber fraud organisation issues fraud warning to festival-going businesses

  • The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is encouraging organisations to stay diligent and enjoy a fraud-free Fringe

With Edinburgh preparing for thousands of visitors to descend for the world’s largest performing arts festival in August, Scotland’s leading cybercrime and fraud organisation is urging businesses to be on the defensive against fraudsters during one of the busiest seasons of the year. 

Ticketing scams, although uncommon, can ruin the Fringe experience, and the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is warning businesses that might be looking to book tickets as a team day activity or treat for clients to be on the lookout for counterfeit tickets. The Centre is urging businesses to be aware of look-alike and unauthorised websites, and, with fake sponsorship ‘opportunities’ also on the rise, businesses need to do their due diligence when approached about becoming a sponsor. 

The Centre is also encouraging businesses to be mindful of the legitimacy of accommodation offers during the Fringe when booking stays for staff or clients and says that unusually cheap holiday offers or ones asking for a high deposit should be treated with suspicion.

Furthermore, with Business Email Compromise (BEC) becoming a more and more common method of scamming, particularly within a business environment, the Centre is urging employees to be vigilant. BEC involves fraudsters using fake but convincingly designed emails to compromise email accounts and therefore potentially access sensitive data. 

With fake invoices being an example of BEC likely to be used during the Fringe, the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is encouraging organisations to ensure that their staff have received robust cybercrime and fraud prevention training and are aware of how to identify and respond to potential security threats in the workplace. 

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said: “It’s crucial that organisations have well-developed and tested cybersecurity systems in place all year round, but businesses might find themselves particularly vulnerable during the Fringe.

“Education and communication are foundational to being well-prepared against the threat of cybercrime and fraud. We would encourage Edinburgh’s businesses to stay aware of the cyber climate around them, implement robust security measures and ensure their staff are sufficiently trained to give themselves the best possible chance of enjoying a Fringe festival free from fraud”. 

Lyndsey Jackson, Deputy Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, added: “The Fringe is a wonderful celebration of creativity and community and we’d encourage everyone to jump in and take part as see as many shows as you can squeeze in.

“To keep yourself and your business fraud safe always buy directly from the venue or the Fringe Box Office, website and app and look for the STAR Logo for extra assurance and if something looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

“The Fringe is fast paced, exciting and dynamic so don’t let that trick you and your business into letting your guard down – and don’t forget we have customer service and artist support teams you can speak to if you’ve got questions – we’re here to help you find your seat at the Fringe.”

Individuals and organisations interested in learning more can follow this link to read the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland’s tips and advice in full online.

Charity launched due to increased calls to cyber and fraud helpline

First of its kind charity formed to support people through cyber and fraud crime

A new national charity has been launched to support members of the Scottish public who find themselves victims of a cyber or fraud crime.  

The Cyber and Fraud Hub was formed by Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in response to a rapid increase in calls from concerned members of the public to its incident response helpline a collaboration between leading Scottish cybersecurity organisation the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, which was originally set up to support businesses through a cyberattack. 

Last year, calls to the Cyber and Fraud Centre incident response helpline doubled, with 

60% of calls coming from concerned members of the public seeking advice following a suspected cyber or fraud crime.  

Businesses will continue to be supported through the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland with advice, intelligence and training, while the newly launched Cyber and Fraud Hub will offer tailored support through reporting and legal guidance, victim assistance, and recovering funds as well as improving the public’s understanding of cyber and fraud crime.  

The Cyber and Fraud Hub will be the first charity in Scotland to offer this level of bespoke victim and advice support to individuals and will allow a greater number of people to access wraparound support at a time when they are most vulnerable. 

The Cyber and Fraud Hub was spearheaded by a dedicated team who gave up their spare time to make the charity a reality. The team includes; Angie Lees, Declan Doyle, John Callagy, Jude McCorry, Alex Dowall and chair, Paul Atkinson. 

Jude McCorry, CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said: “I recently saw a quote saying “The Fight against fraud is everyone’s problem, but no one’s priority” and we have seen this play out over the last year.

“In launching the Cyber and Fraud Hub, we have now made it our priority, but we need others, including senior figures in financial services and government, to make it their priority too.  

“The Cyber and Fraud Hub will meet a vital need for support for individuals who find themselves in the daunting situation of being a victim of a cyber or fraud crime, the impact of which can be immense, mentally and financially. 

“We’ve built strong relationships with our colleagues at Police Scotland and the banking sector to support our business community to be more resilient and we wanted to extend this support to the growing number of individuals who find themselves personally compromised as a result of this growing threat.  

“Members of the public require a different type of support to get them through a cyberattack, where they are supported as victims of a crime as well as going through formal criminal proceedings.

“The Cyber and Fraud Hub team have the knowledge, skills and expertise to allow them to listen and provide reassurance as well as the tools to get people back on their feet.”  

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “I am delighted to be appointed as a Trustee of the Cyber and Fraud Hub and have seen at first hand the success of collaborative working to combat fraud and keep people safe in the digital world.    

“The Hub will be an invaluable resource and complement the support available from Police Scotland.  It will deliver first-class education and partnership programmes to help communities and individuals build resilience against cybercrime and fraud and offer specialised support to those who have become a victim of cybercrime.” 

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of cyber or fraud crime, you can call the Cyber and Fraud Hub on 0800 1670 623, or visit www.cyberfraudcentre.com.  

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland set to share cyber security knowledge in capital during CyberScotland Week

 

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland will host three free events as part of CyberScotland Week in Edinburgh on the 29th February, 7th March and 14th March for those in the public or third sector.  

Taking place at The Melting Pot on Calton Road from 9am to 12.30pm, cyber experts will be joined by trusted partner Consider IT to deliver the events for public and third sector organisations during CyberScotland Week.

The events will focus on key cyber security topics and issues that organisations should take into consideration in 2024 as well as provide practical tips on everything from data security to incident response. Attendees will also get a chance to take part in a practical Exercise in Box session to put their current cyber security response to the test.  

The sessions will outline resources available to organisations which they can utilise in house, as well as presenting an opportunity to network with like-minded people within the industry.  

CyberScotland Week brings together experts for a packed programme of events designed to build cyber resilience across the country. The week-long programme, which takes place between the 26th of February to the 3rd of March, will focus on three key themes of collaboration, diversity and resilience. 

Jude McCorry CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland said; “Bringing the best minds in cyber security together, CyberScotland Week is making its return to the capital. 

“With cybercrime increasing globally, it is essential that businesses know how to protect themselves, should they be in the unfortunate position of finding themselves the victim of a cyber or fraud crime.

“At the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland we are committed to educating businesses, third sector organisations and individuals on cyber resilience and security should the unthinkable happen.” 

Stuart Gilbertson, Managing Director at Consider IT, said: “At Consider IT, we are proud to join forces with the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland to contribute our expertise and insights to the upcoming roadshows during CyberScotland Week.

“As trusted partners, we are committed to enhancing and strengthening the cyber health of Scottish organisations. These events provide a valuable platform for public and third sector organisations to gain practical knowledge on key cyber security topics, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the growing and evolving cyber threats in 2024.

“By fostering collaboration and sharing resources, we aim to empower attendees with the skills needed to safeguard their businesses. We look forward to engaging with like-minded professionals and contributing to the collective effort in building a more secure cyber environment for Scotland.” 
 
Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland also runs a free Incident Response Helpline for any organisation concerned they have fallen victim to cybercrime which can be contacted on 0800 1670 623.

It is run by Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland along it a network of trusted third parties that provide expertise and assistance.  

For further information on the public and third Sector cyber roadshow, visit the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland website:

https://www.cyberscotland.com/event/public-and-third-sector-roadshow-edinburgh-29th-february/