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Local authority and commercial customers will gain access to specialist, SBRC training for the first time to try and mitigate the recent increase in cyber-incidents.

The Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) and the Royal Bank of Scotland will work together to offer cyber training for banking customers.

Despite a record boost in cybersecurity investment in the UK over the last 12 months, the National Cybersecurity Centre identified an increase in cyber-related incidents over the period, highlighting the continued need for cyber-education.

Now, for the first time, local authority and commercial customers with the Royal Bank will gain access to additional value-added cyber training to boost cybersecurity skills.

The cyber training will include invitations to attend Exercise in a Box workshops taking place in June and Executive Scenario Planning sessions which will be adapted to suit each interested organisation.

Commenting on the news, Malcolm Buchanan, Managing Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking, Scotland at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “While all our customers have been impacted from the grips of the pandemic over the last two years, the everyday challenges we faced before it have not disappeared – including cyber hacks and scams.

“The threat of cybersecurity related incidents is higher than ever, and so where we can support a proportion of our customer base by providing guidance and access to education to ensure they don’t become the next victim – we will.

“By partnering with the SBRC, we will not only be able to directly introduce our customers to cyber experts but will be able to extend the education of so many of our local authority and higher education customers who want the skills and expertise to address the threat at hand.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland, which has been an SBRC organisation member for five years, said it is keen to increase education and skill development to customers around key trends, including cybersecurity.

As evidence has shown the recent increase in cyber-related incidents, the bank worked with SBRC to understand how its business customer base could become more prepared to mitigate the impact of digital crime.

Jude McCorry, CEO of the SBRC, added: “Time and time again, we see fear overcome individuals and organisations when the topic of becoming cyber ready is raised.

“The proactivity being shown by the Royal Bank in extending the already strong relationship with the SBRC is to be commended.

“This partnership that we have created with the Royal Bank and the steps they are taking to support their customers is unique in Scotland. Through the programmes and workshops that we will deliver, it will contribute to will further extending the cyber awareness of organisations across Scotland.”

Promotion of the workshops and relevant resources through the Royal Bank’s Business Hub, rbsbusinesshub.com. Insight from a recent cyber webinar, in addition to resources relating to cyber awareness, ransomware and reputation management can be found on the hub.