The latest blog from Head of Cyber, Bev, summarises the ITMS (IT managed services) Cluster and Best Practice Charter, six months on from it’s launch.
In the fast-evolving landscape of information technology, collaboration and shared knowledge are key to staying ahead of cyber threats. ScotlandIS have brought together the IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Cluster. Comprising MSPs from across Scotland, this cluster is more than just a network—it is a platform for sharing best practices, lessons learned and experiences in bolstering cyber resilience throughout the supply chain.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Best Practice Charter, the first of its kind in the UK. This Charter was developed for and by the MSP community. This charter has two standards—Essential and Enhanced—providing a clear roadmap for MSPs to fortify both their own and their customers cyber resilience. The Charter has an inclusive ethos, ensuring that both burgeoning and established organisations can align with its principles. It is not just about raising the bar; it is about ensuring that every participant, irrespective of their stage of development, can contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom of the cluster and sign up to the Best Practice Charter.
ScotlandIS is actively engaging with other cyber clusters across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, spearheading discussions to roll out the Best Practice Charter beyond Scottish borders. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment to fostering a culture of cybersecurity excellence nationwide.
In a testament to their commitment to the development of the ITMSP Cluster and Charter, ScotlandIS has secured funding from UKC3 to host a joint event with Cyber North—a Cyber Cluster covering Newcastle, Durham, and Teesside. This event will bring together MSP’s from Scotland and England to share insights, to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and collectively raise the bar for cybersecurity standards.
Our next ITMSP event for the community takes place this afternoon (28th March, from 2-5pm) at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh. Featuring presentations from Police Scotland, Quorum Cyber, and Waterstons, this event is a wonderful opportunity for MSPs to glean insights from industry leaders.
For those keen on becoming part of the ITMSP working group and Best Practice Charter, please contact Beverly Bowles – at beverly.bowles@Scotlandis.com.
Here is the link for further information on the event – there will be two more taking place in Glasgow and Newcastle over the next couple of months so stay tuned for more details.