CyberScotland Week 2026: another year, another success
2nd March 2026
CyberScotland Week 2026
Another year, another successful CyberScotland Week.
February has been a busy month for our cyber project team. First we were at SCVO’s The Gathering – two days in Edinburgh meeting lots of other voluntary organisations and charities, spreading the word on the CyberScotland partnership. Michael spoke at a panel event, bringing essential cyber learning to 90 people: ‘What I can do to help my organisation stay safe online’. Thanks to Keegan & Pennykid for leading the session, and to SCVO and Coalition for being our co-panellists.
‘What I can do to help my organisation stay safe online’ panel session at The Gathering 2026
And next up, the main event of February…
CyberScotland Week 2026
CyberScotland Week returned for its eighth year from 23 to 28 February 2026. The 2026 theme continued last year’s focus on “Can’t Hack it?!”, highlighting how everyone in Scotland can take simple, practical steps to stay safer online. From individuals and families to small businesses and large organisations, the message is clear: improving cyber resilience does not have to be complicated, but it does require awareness and action.
We held 6 excellent events over five days: 5 webinars and 1 panel session, reaching over 130 people in Scotland.
💻 6 things you can do now to protect your device
🎣 Staying safe from phishing
📱 Staying safe on social media
⚠️ Staying safe from sextortion scams
🛒 Staying safe while shopping online
To everyone who came along – thank you for helping keep Scotland cyber resilient. Online security starts with you.
Here’s what our leaners had to say about our webinars:
| “enjoyed the session, was delivered with care + sensitivity, (in a non-judgemental sensitive yet serious way) I particularly liked the message that it was not shameful, and it is not the victim’s fault- – it is a situation that has occurred and if you follow these steps, it can be mitigated – and that there is still a way to continue on” |
| “The trainer was amazing – very patient, lovely calm demeanour, and really knowledgeable.” |
| “The training has given me a lot of confidence in my conversations with my children on this subject. Thank you very much.” |
| “Very useful session! I feel a lot of people in our organisation could benefit from this training. For me, I always thought the spelling in spam email addresses was the thing to check however I’ve learned this is now outdated guidance and I think it is important to have these kind of refresher training sessions as the guidance is continuously changing especially with AI. I learned about spy pixels and found the links that Michael shared very useful. Would definitely recommend! “ |
| “This was a great session. Michael is a great trainer. We hope to make use of LEADs great services again to raise awareness and will be in touch.” |
The common theme running through both CyberScotland Week and The Gathering was the reminder that people are the most important defence in the face of cyber threats. It’s not all up to the cyber professionals and the IT management (although they are very important), we are the strongest armour. So if you attended our CyberScotland Week events, keep spreading the word and the things you learnt. And if you didn’t make it to our webinars, put a reminder in your calendar for this time next year and in the meantime head to our online safety page for resources and learning on online safety: www.lead.org.uk/online-safety
And remember that even the toughest defences can be penetrated by cyber criminals, even if you’re following all the right advice. So if you are ever the victim of cyber crime – stay calm, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report the crime and get the right support.
A cartoon man looking frustrated and angry, with the caption ‘Cyber Criminals after CyberScotland Week 2026’ written above his head.
Cyber Tuesday 
Follow us on social media to get more Cyber tips like this every Tuesday. Find us on:
Facebook @LeadScotland; Instagram @leadscotland; X (previously Twitter) @leadscot_tweet; or LinkedIn @LeadScotland.
For organisations
Lead Scotland are committed to delivering high quality, accessible, and free digital skills and cyber training, especially to disabled people, carers, marginalised groups, and organisations that work with these groups. Let us know what you are interested in and we can organise a session (or more) to make sure you, or the people you support, are safe online. Register your interest in this online form.
Or get in touch for a chat by emailing us at cyberproject@lead.org.uk
