City Council Joins Abertay cyberQuarter

Abertay University has announced a new collaboration with Dundee City Council focused on improving the local authority’s digital security through research and skills development. 

As part of the partnership, members of Dundee City Council’s security operations team will work alongside students and staff at the cyberQuarter hub, accessing specialist expertise to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. 

The Council has provided a series of research problems for students on Abertay’s MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity programme to address. Each project will form the basis of a Masters dissertation, giving students hands-on experience while delivering valuable insights for the local authority.  

All of the projects focus on key issues faced by public sector organisations and explore ways to enhance cyber resilience.  

One project involves creating a secure “digital twin” of a website designed and hosted by Dundee City Council. 

This virtual version of the site will allow researchers to test its security in a safe environment, without affecting the live system. Using methods such as vulnerability scanning and risk modelling, the project aims to identify potential weaknesses and explore ways to strengthen protection.  

Another project will examine how the Council can deploy cybersecurity tools like Kali Linux and Nessus to strengthen vulnerability assessment processes. The research will compare industry best practices, automation options, and reporting frameworks, providing evidence-based recommendations for integrating Nessus scanning into ongoing operations. 

The partnership also builds on existing research links, including work by Abertay PhD student Sylvester Egbu, who is investigating how technical and non-technical cybersecurity stakeholders communicate within organisations. His study aims to develop frameworks that improve reporting and understanding between teams. 

Professor Lynne Coventry, Director of the Abertay cyberQuarter, said:  

“Partnerships like this are vital for building a more cyber-resilient society. By working closely with Dundee City Council, we’re not only helping to protect essential public services but also giving our students the chance to apply their skills to real-world challenges. This collaboration demonstrates the power of bringing academia, industry, and local government together to tackle the growing threats in our digital landscape.” 

As a result of the partnership, members of Dundee City Council’s IT team will spend some time working from the cyberQuarter hub, giving them the opportunity to collaborate closely with Abertay experts and other partners who have already provided guidance on improving services. 

Cllr Mark Flynn, leader of Dundee City Council, said:  

“Dundee City Council is delighted to become a partner in Abertay CyberQuarter, as we see this as a partnership not just in cybersecurity terms, but as a way to drive forward our ambition for digital industries to thrive in the city. 

"It is crucial that we develop employment pathways for the experts of the future that are being nourished within Abertay CyberQuarter. This partnership will assist us in helping people make the transition from education to practical application, bringing us closer to the cutting-edge research planned within the CyberQuarter. 

"This partnership with the cyberQuarter will also enable Dundee City Council to benefit from relationships with other partners and shared insights into what the future might hold through access to facilities and events, equally adding value to the wider community with our knowledge of the digital industry. 

"The Council is keen to encourage the use of new technology for our citizens in the years ahead, and being part of the Abertay cyberQuarter will help us do just that."  

The Council follows Police Scotland, who joined the Abertay cyberQuarter earlier this year. Both organisations are part of a growing network of public and private sector partners based within the hub, including NHS Scotland’s Cyber Centre of Excellence, Systal Technology Solutions, NCR Atleos, the CyberFraud Centre, and ScotlandIS - all working together to address some of society’s most pressing digital challenges. 

The Abertay cyberQuarter opened in 2022, receiving a total of £5.7 million in funding from the UK Government and £6 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Deal. In addition to research projects, the centre hosts almost 100 events a year, including a diverse range of conferences, industry workshops, and learning sessions, aimed at boosting collaboration among organisations and retaining talent in Scotland. 

About the Tay Cities Region Deal  

The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay.  

The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over 10 years, subject to final approval of robust business cases.  

As of 30 September 2024, over £231million has been approved by Governments and the Partnership for investment and over 2,541 jobs have been created.  

This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400m of investment over 15 years, of which more than £180million has already been secured by Projects.  

Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website here