Cole-Hamilton secures cybersecurity briefing for MSPs after hacks and honeytrap scandals

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has secured a briefing for all MSPs on cybersecurity in the wake of a series of high-profile hacks and honeytrap incidents.

The first cybersecurity briefing for MSPs will take place on 22nd May. The briefing will cover the use of devices, both personal and parliamentary as well as personal security,

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“Recently we have seen the attempted hacking of MPs’ emails, a hack on the Electoral Commission and a honeytrap scandal in Westminster.

“Some of these incidents may originate with hostile foreign nations, others will be the work of more prosaic scammers.

“MSPs are privy to an awful lot of confidential and personal information and by dint of our positions may be attractive targets for malign actors. It’s essential that every member is now offered formal training on how to recognise the work of hackers and scammers and the risks we may face.

“I have asked parliamentary authorities to set up these briefings in order to help myself and my colleagues navigate the traps and the risks.

“I have warned before that we may already be in the early days of a new Cold War. In those circumstances, ratcheting up our levels of care and caution is only sensible.”