£18m 'first-of-its-kind' cyber security hub opens in Dundee

A multi-million pound cyber security centre – described as the first of its kind – has opened in Dundee.

The Abertay cyberQuarter will provide a base for companies and students to develop cutting-edge technologies.

The university’s principal hopes it’ll help solve “international cyber security problems”.

There were more than 400 cyber security attacks in Scotland between 2020 and 2021.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for industry and academia, students and staff, to work together,” said Professor Liz Bacon.

“We hope to generate more jobs in the region. They key difference here is bringing academia and cyber-security knowledge together, with industry to jointly problem-solve together.

The revamp of the four-floor building has cost £18m, with most of the funding secured via the Tay Cities Deal, an agreement between the Scottish and UK governments to financially support a variety of projects to the tune of £700m.

This Abertay University facility is now being dubbed ‘Scotland’s new home for cyber security research’.

“The students will be graduating with not only their degree, but with hands-on work experience and industry recognised certifications,” said Cheryl Torano, an Abertay graduate and now a manager at the Dundee base.

“When I was a student I would have killed to have graduated with that type of opportunity, it’s just fantastic.”

The hub will also enhance research into video gaming.

Scottish Government employment minister Richard Lochhead said: “The opening of the Abertay cyberQuarter is an important moment for the University, region and sector.

“New opportunities in areas like cybersecurity are central to our commitment to deliver economic transformation.

“The Scottish Government’s £6m funding through the Tay Cities Region Deal will help build on Abertay’s existing strengths to take advantage of these opportunities and deliver sustainable, inclusive prosperity for the region.”

UK Government minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The growing use of online platforms, cloud computing and online shopping means cybersecurity is more important than ever.

“There were more than 400 cyber attacks in Scotland in 2020-21, and more than a million incidents of computer misuse are reported across the UK each year.”