Police Scotland’s first cybercrime symposium highlights importance of international cooperation

Held as part of Cyber Scotland Week, the event attracted representatives from the FBI, National Crime Agency, and policing colleagues from Romania, New Zealand and Australia.

The aim of the symposium was to share current thinking across UK and international law enforcement agencies on the future of policing in tackling to growing threat of cyber and online fraud.

Police Scotland said its first  international cyber symposium brought together “diverse perspectives” and opened avenues for international law enforcement organisations to tackle cybercrime collectively.

The conference served as a networking hub, building relationships among the global organisations.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest effective measures to mitigate threats and risks associated with cybercrime, with group discussions allowing the sharing of experience and best practice.

Over the past few years, Police Scotland has adjusted its policing model, in line with the way society has moved increasingly online. It published a cyber strategy in 2020 and a new digital strategy last year to respond to cybercrime – the fastest-growing crime type across the UK, which includes online fraud and ransomware threats.

Police Scotland’s ‘Policing in a Digital World’ programme highlights partnerships were vital to transform how it responds to the evolving threat of cybercrime.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “Partnerships is one of the cornerstones of the work of the Policing in a Digital Programme and the first international symposium celebrates this.

“Cybercrime and digital innovations move quickly and our relationships with our law enforcement international colleagues helps to keep us all up to date with innovations, allows us to share knowledge and best practice and look to tackle cybercrime collectively.

“Supporting Cyber Scotland week and our partnership with Cyber Scotland helps us to meet our commitment of keeping Scotland’s people, communities, businesses and assets safe in both the physical and digital world.”

Mike Ford, police liaison officer from the New Zealand High Commission, said: “I would like to express our gratitude for the invitation extended by Police Scotland to attend the two-day cyber symposium.

“New Zealand Police values the opportunity to engage with counterparts from around the world, particularly with organizations like Police Scotland, who also operate under a unified national police service structure.

“We found the insights shared by Police Scotland on their cyber fraud initiatives to be enlightening. It was a valuable experience to exchange ideas and experiences, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn from each other.

“At New Zealand Police, we are currently engaged in a similar process of examining how we can enhance our services to meet the expectations of our community. We are committed to delivering a high standard of service that our public rightfully expect and deserve.”

Officers and staff also got involved with various local events with schools and groups in their local communities.