Police have offered counter-terrorism lessons to councils and businesses across the north-east following a “sharp rise” in online crime.
An explosive new report from the north-east division’s Superintendent Kate Stephen to Aberdeen City Council says terror experts are available “upon request” as the police tackle a new front against criminals and terrorists.
The advice comes weeks after a massive Ransomware attack hit public institutions and businesses across the country – particularly affecting the NHS.
And in January, the council had to spend more than £10,000 of taxpayer’s cash to tackle a high-profile cyber-attack on the local authority’s website.
Business body Aberdeen Inspired is known to have taken the counter-terror lessons.
In her report to this week’s infrastructure committee, Superintendent Stephen states: “The volume and complexity of cyber-attacks against the UK are rising sharply with digital technology revolutionising every aspect of modern life – opening up new vulnerabilities and opportunities for criminal activities.
“There are a cadre of ‘web constables’ located throughout north-east division, embedded within our community…
“Counter terrorism security advisors are also available upon request to deliver specific and bespoke inputs on the topic of cybercrime to local authorities and businesses.
“Such an input was delivered to Aberdeen City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) in December 2016 and Police Scotland would welcome the opportunity to carry out further inputs in Aberdeen City.”
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “We believe it is hugely beneficial for businesses to ensure that someone in their organisation is trained and able to respond quickly in coordinating a response to threats of this nature.
“The course gives staff the skills and knowledge they need to carry out this essential role and we received good feedback from our businesses that took part.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Police Scotland and RGU on this, and would urge any other local businesses who are interested in getting involved to get in touch with us and find out more.”
Councillor Alex Nicol, who sits on the infrastructure committee, served as a police officer in London before being elected.
He said: “Crime has changed a lot over the years and with people’s lives now being increasingly lived online there are obviously in some ways greater risks than in the past.
“While the old fashioned people knocking on doors and trying to get bank account details scams still happen, now there are very clever people who never need to meet you to rob you.”
Police Scotland declined to comment ahead of the report being presented to councillors.