Police Scotland Partners with Abertay University to Take Down Online Criminals

Strategic Insights -

Police Scotland is embarking on a new initiative to combat cybercrime by setting up a base at Dundee's Abertay University. The CYBERQUARTER, a state-of-the-art facility funded by the Tay Cities Deal, will house Specialist detectives from the force's new Cyber and Fraud Unit. This partnership aims to provide officers with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise from computing students, as well as give real-world policing insight to the next generation of cyber-defenders. The joint effort aims to prevent and solve cybercrimes, ultimately bringing perpetrators to justice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Police Scotland's Cyber and Fraud Unit will work closely with experts at Abertay University's CYBERQUARTER, gaining access to state-of-the-art malware labs and the knowhow of computing students.
  • The partnership will enable officers to develop new strategies to tackle cybercrime, including spotting AI deepfakes and developing new interview techniques.
  • Projects will range from detecting deepfakes to tracing online fraudsters, with a focus on bringing perpetrators to justice.
  • Abertay's CYBERQUARTER, opened in 2022, has already attracted global tech firms and is now adding frontline police officers to its ranks.
  • The partnership marks a significant step forward in tackling digital crime, according to Professor Lynne Coventry, head of the CYBERQUARTER.
  • Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston stressed that behind every cybercrime is a victim who could have lost their savings, business, and confidence.

Statistics:

  • PS11.7 million: The funding allocated for the CYBERQUARTER facility, which opened in 2022.
  • Tay Cities Deal: The funding source for the CYBERQUARTER.
  • Number of global tech firms: Multiple, as they have already been drawn into the CYBERQUARTER.

Sources:

  • "Police Scotland is setting up shop inside Dundee's Abertay University in a major new push to take down online criminals." - Nick Forbes
  • "Abertay's PS11.7 million CYBERQUARTER, which opened in 2022 with funding from the Tay Cities Deal, has already drawn in global tech firms and is now adding frontline police officers to its ranks." - Nick Forbes
  • "Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: 'Behind every cybercrime is a victim who could have lost their savings, their business and their confidence.'" - Nick Forbes
  • "Professor Lynne Coventry, who heads the CYBERQUARTER, said police working in the building was a "significant step forward" in tackling fast-growing digital crime." - Nick Forbes