10 STEPS TO BUSINESS RESILIENCE LAUNCHED AS DANGERS TO SCOTTISH BUSINESSES SURGE

SBRC, Scottish Government, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue collaborate to produce a free-to-use resource

BUSINESSES in Scotland are facing an unprecedented level of threat to their operations, according to a senior police chief and security expert.

The stark warning, from the Deputy Director of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), Chief Inspector Ronald Megaughin, comes following the launch of a unique free-to-use self-assessment tool designed to tackle the broad concerns facing businesses.

Developed in partnership with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ‘10 Steps to Business Resilience’ is intended for businesses to proactively ensure their resilience.

Chief Inspector Ronald Megaughin, said: “The well-publicised growth of cyber crime means that Scottish businesses are facing an unprecedented number of external threats to their safe-running.

“This is compounded by the movement towards paperless technologies and the increased reliance on IT systems, along with the ease at which valuable information on the organisation can get into the wrong hands.”

The unique online tool includes a series of questions that are designed to prompt internal thought about risk and risk appetite. It is quick and convenient to complete and will provide the user with an automated resilience report detailing proportionate level of operational risk and suggestions for mitigation of identified risks.

Chief Inspector Megaughin, added: “The amount of advice out there can be overwhelming. We have worked in partnership with key bodies to provide a first stop shop resource that we urge all business owners to use – it could well highlight weaknesses that save them from a future crisis.”

The assessment covers the following topics: Keeping the show on the road; Information Management; Cyber Security; Protecting Valuables; Looking after staff and customers; Selecting and Keeping Staff; Supplier Management/Procurement; Fraud Prevention; Understanding and Managing Risk; Protecting the Brand.

For more information and to take part in the 10 Steps assessment, please visit: https://www.10steps.co.uk/

SBRC is taking forward the scoping of the concept of a cyber hub for business in Scotland which would act as one trusted source of advice and cyber security services at an affordable cost.