IoT cyber challenge programme

The IoT cyber challenge programme is an initiative led by CENSIS to accelerate Scotland’s IoT capabilities.

IoT will transform the business models of many industries of importance to the Scottish economy, either creating internal efficiencies or introducing new revenue streams.

However, due to its interconnected nature, there are challenges in the effective and safe adoption of IoT. A critical and recognised challenge is that of the security and resilience of the IoT systems, particularly given the current rapid adoption of IoT products and services.

CENSIS aims to work with organisations throughout Scotland to raise awareness, provide education, demonstrate best practice, and improve access to the best IoT cyber security expertise.

Beginning with a partnership in 2020-21 between CENSIS, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, elements of the programme have continued in 2022 with the support of the Scottish Government.

The initial programme comprised an accelerator, cyber security support, themed workshops, and a hackathon/IoT vulnerability pilot. It was announced by Kate Forbes MSP at CENSIS’s sixth Technology Summit in November 2019. 

A continuation of parts of the programme – IoT Secure and a further vulnerability pilot/hackathon was announced in February 2022.