Cyber Security No Longer a “Nice to Have”
HIT Scotland and the Cyber and Fraud Centre Launch Executive Programme to Protect Scotland’s Hospitality Leaders.
Code of Trust: Executive Strategy for Cybersecurity & Fraud Intelligence.
Programme Date: 30 April 2026
Location: Fingal Hotel, Edinburgh
Closing Deadline: 6 April 2026
The Scottish Hospitality & Tourism sector is being urged to treat cyber security as a core business priority, not an IT afterthought, as HIT Scotland partners with the Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, to deliver a new executive-level programme designed specifically for its industry leaders.
With hospitality businesses increasingly reliant on digital booking systems, customer data, payment platforms and connected technologies, the sector has become a prime target for cyber criminals. Yet many businesses still view cyber security as a technical IT issue rather than a strategic business imperative. This programme aims to change that.
The first of HIT Scotland’s ‘The Code of Trust: Executive Strategy for Cybersecurity & Fraud Intelligence’ leadership programmes, will take place on 30th April 2026 at the iconic Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh, with applications closing on 6th April 2026.
Designed exclusively for CEOs, directors and non-executive directors and senior business leaders, this intensive one-day experience equips senior decision-makers with the strategic insight, governance frameworks and practical confidence required to manage cyber risk and protect organisational resilience in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.
Developed and delivered by experienced cyber and leadership professional Jude McCorry, the Executive & Leadership level programme provides a focused, high-impact and interactive learning environment tailored to those responsible for governance, compliance, digital transformation and long-term performance.
Through expert-led discussion, real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises, participants will explore how leadership behaviour, culture and communication directly influence cyber resilience.
Chief Executive Officer of Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland for six years, Jude has supported businesses on a multitude data breaches and ransom attacks, ensuring individuals and organisations are prepared and, in a position, to anticipate risks and mitigate them effectively.
Jude said: “Cyber security is no longer the sole domain of IT departments; it is a fundamental boardroom issue. Every organisation, regardless of size or sector, is now operating in an environment where cyber risk is real business risk.
“For hospitality and tourism leaders, the stakes are particularly high. Customer trust, brand reputation and operational continuity can all be severely impacted by a single incident and unfortunately, all it takes is one person within the business to open a phishing email to trigger a company-wide data breach.
“It’s often well-known global companies which dominate the headlines when it comes to cyber security however its not just big attacks, the majority of breaches are within small to medium sized firms so we’re always keen to raise awareness.
“The Code of Trust programme we’ve designed in partnership with HIT Scotland provides senior leaders the clarity, frameworks and confidence they need to lead from the front, embedding cyber resilience into governance, culture and strategic decision-making. This isn’t about technical deep-dives, it’s about equipping executives to ask the right questions, make informed decisions and protect their organisations in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.”
Dave Allen, Programme Director at HIT Scotland, who is responsible for the delivery of the organisation’s Executive and Leadership programmes, said: “For Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector, trust is everything. Our guests trust us with their data, their payments and their experiences. In today’s environment, safeguarding that trust demands strong cyber governance at the very top of the organisation.
“At HIT Scotland, we are committed to developing forward-thinking leaders who understand that cyber resilience is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is an essential business tool, and it should be considered by senior leaders as a core part of their business operation.
“By partnering with the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, we are ensuring our executive community has access to world-class insight that will strengthen bothindividual organisations and the wider sector.”
The programme is part of HIT Scotland’s 2026 programme series and will take place on 30th April 2026 at the Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh, with applications now open and a deadline of 6th April 2026; places are limited.
For further information and application details, please visit hitscotland.co.uk/code-of-trust
