ScotlandIS Cyber

ScotlandIS CISO Safe Space is a dedicated group designed to bring together Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and those performing similar functions in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Our aim is to create a group and a space where CISOs can connect, share their challenges and solutions, and collectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. With the increasing complexity of threats and the critical role CISOs play in safeguarding organizations, this Safe Space offers a unique opportunity to network, exchange best practices, and learn from one another’s experiences.

Beyond professional growth, we also recognise the importance of well-being in such demanding roles. This community provides a safe and confidential space where members can openly discuss well-being challenges, seek support, and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Join ScotlandIS CISO Safe Space today and become part of a vibrant network dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity leadership and nurturing the well-being of CISOs across Scotland.

At this event we will be joined by David Colombo, CEO and Founder of Colombo Technologies, who will speak on some of the organisations he has breached to take a look at upcoming attack vectors. He will also include insights from Fortune 500 CISOs and the security research he has carried out.

Held at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh, you will also have the opportunity to network over a drink and canapés – click the ‘Learn More’ link below to book.

See the below Terms of Reference proposed for our CISO Safe Space:

CISO Safe Space: Terms of Reference

Book tickets now here!

Scotland’s leading and most anticipated tech conference will once again be held at the EICC on Thursday 28th September.

From Recruitment to Retention and reversing the “brilliance bias”. Creating a work environment where all flourish, regardless of gender.

This informal roundtable session will include spotlight presentations addressing:

– Crucial factors for recruiting with gender diversity in mind

– Understanding the experience of young females in the tech space

– Creating a work environment where all genders flourish and achieve their full potential

You will hear from organisations providing insights into how to maximise your reach when recruiting, from young tech stars on their journey and employers exploring workplace issues specific to gender and how to address them.

Format:

In-person. Short roundtable presentations will be delivered to ignite further discussions and sharing of ideas and experiences under Chatham House Rules. Key takeaways will be reported unattributed. Time for informal 1-2-1 conversation is built into the event timings.

The content of this event has been formed with the valuable input from Ladies of Code (Glasgow) and Smarter Grid Solutions who we would like to thank for sharing their insights.

Who should attend:

This is open to all members of the Scottish tech community interested in improving gender balance in recruitment and talent retention. Discussion will be particularly pertinent to team leaders, business managers, and those in recruitment roles.

Places are limited – book via the ‘Learn More’ link below now.

Our next Marketing Meetup will take place on 24th October at Microsoft Offices in Edinburgh.

Our mission is to educate and support our members who work in the art of marketing and selling tech or into the tech industry.

Join us at our upcoming marketing meetup, where we’re excited to introduce Phil Worms, CEO of FrogSystems, and Ruth McKay, Director of Uniq Sales and Marketing. They’ll be discussing:

• How tech companies can effectively connect with potential customers.
• The shifting landscape of customer behaviour over time.
• What strategies work (and what doesn’t) in today’s marketing environment.
• Lessons from the past that can be applied to modern sales and marketing.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to meet fellow marketers in the tech industry, share experiences, and tackle common challenges. Following the discussion, there will be a casual lunch and time for networking.

Limited spots are available, so make sure to secure your place now.

Meet Phil Worms

Phil has enjoyed a very varied career having started as a Corporate Catering Executive and Special Events Manager with BT. Phil eventually moved from Special Events into mainstream BT Marketing, where he was responsible for the creation of a face to face and events sales channel.

In 1993, and recognising the emergence of the internet, Phil left BT to create his own online gift delivery business, a venture that resulted in him winning the inaugural Daily Mail UK Ecommerce award. Following the successful sale of the business to a competitor, Phil joined US based Telco VarTec before moving his family to Scotland and a new role with iomart Group to lead the roll out of UK Broadband. Phil also led a project on behalf of ScotlandIS, Skills Development Scotland and HIE to develop a framework that will support extracurricular ICT initiatives across Scotland – the Digital Xtra Fund.

Today Phil is the CEO of Glasgow based Frog Systems. A mental wellness software company that harnesses the power of live experience video to deliver messages of hope and support to those struggling with life’s challenges.

Meet Ruth McKay

Ruth serves as one of two directors at Uniq Sales and Marketing, a company that provides an extensive array of sales and marketing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Throughout the past 13 years, Ruth has collaborated with a multitude of businesses across the UK, aiding them in their growth endeavours. What sets Uniq Sales and Marketing apart is their distinct expertise in both sales and marketing, seamlessly integrating these two domains.

With an impressive background in the technology sector, Ruth has accumulated years of experience, including her tenure at ScotlandIS. Her enthusiasm lies in partnering with technology firms, where she finds immense interest in the intricate task of effectively conveying intricate technical offerings to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise. This involves crafting compelling narratives and establishing connections with new clientele.

The Marketing Meetup’s are a community made up of marketers, business development people and business owners within tech companies or organisations selling to tech companies – book your place now via the ‘Learn More’ link below.

If you have any suggestions for future Marketing Meetups and topics, you would like us to cover, get in touch with joanne.mills@scotlandis.com.

*This is an event for ScotlandIS members only*

Supported by Uniq Marketing:

Our event is aimed at anyone currently signed up to or interested in getting involved with the Digital Critical Friends (DCF) programme.

This webinar is an opportunity to understand the process involved in becoming a Digital Critical Friend volunteer, the undertaking required of each DCF, and to have any of your queries answered. The session is also open for anyone to come along and find out more about the programme and how to get involved.

Presentations will take place from ScotlandIS, STEM Ambassadors and Tech She Can about how they play a role in the programme and there will be the opportunity for everyone to ask questions.

Outline of topics that will be covered:

• ScotlandIS – A history of the Digital Critical Friends programme, its aims and the part we play in it
• STEM Ambassadors – Who they are and their involvement in the process of becoming a DCF
• Tech She Can – An overview of the Tech We Can resources and how they can be utilised and accessed by DCF’s
• Police Scotland – Cyber Choices Programme overview 

This event will be held as a webinar and joining instructions will be sent nearer the time.

Click the ‘Learn More’ link below to register.

We are pleased to offer our ScotlandIS members this dedicated session on improving communications skills with Greg Summers, an expert on public speaking and stage presence.

As a tech company, it is essential to be able to deliver engaging and coherent pitches or presentations in order to win new business, obtain investment or raise awareness of your field.

Greg will share 15 Golden points that will help you look forward to your next public speaking, presentation or pitch opportunity with improved confidence.

The session will also cover preparation, structure and delivery of presentations.

If you are based near Aberdeen, or haven’t been able to attend one of our previous sessions, this is a great opportunity to attend!

 *This event is exclusive to ScotlandIS members only*

Join us on Thursday, 9th November at the IFB offices in Aberdeen for an exciting IT Managed Service Providers Event. The event aims to bring together ITMSPs from the region to foster networking opportunities and facilitate the sharing of challenges and best practices. We have an excellent lineup of presenters who will share their insights and expertise. 

The event will begin with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Beverly Bowles, Head of Cyber for ScotlandIS.  Bev will also give insight into the development of the ITMSP Cluster and creating the ITMSP Charter.  Attendees will gain an understanding of its importance and the benefits and responsibilities it entails for ITMSPs. They will also learn about the steps to join and actively contribute to this initiative, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the community. 

Our first session will focus on cyber security, with Robbie Ross from Converged Communications sharing the importance of robust security measures for ITMSPs. He will highlight emerging threats and provide valuable best practices through insightful case studies. 

Following that, Graeme Gordon from IFB will give an insight into the benefits of communications planning for cyber-attacks. Other guest speakers include Kurtis Toy of Onca Technologies and Norman Stevenson from Police Scotland.

At the end of the event, there will be a networking opportunity to allow attendees to connect, exchange experiences and build relationships.  

We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching IT Managed Service Providers Networking Event, where you will gain valuable insights, forge new connections, and contribute to the growth of the ITMSP community in Aberdeen. 

Ransomware attacks have become a significant threat to businesses worldwide, causing data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions. In this webinar, we will delve into the critical importance of backup and recovery operations in combating ransomware attacks.

Join iomart to understand the fundamentals of ransomware, explore effective backup strategies, and learn how to build a robust recovery plan to protect your organisation’s data and ensure business continuity.

We will cover:

• how ransomware attacks operate and the evolution of attacker behaviour
• effective data back-up strategies against the latest ransomware attacks
• Building resilience in recovery and incident planning
• how to lead effective back-up and recovery testing operations.