Cyber resilience strategy 2025-2030: equality impact assessment results

Executive summary

This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was conducted to ensure the strategy meets the needs of all individuals and communities in Scotland. It assessed the potential impacts of the policy across all nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and in line with the three Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) needs: eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations.

Key findings highlighted that while no unlawful discrimination was identified, certain groups (such as older adults, disabled people, women and individuals with limited English proficiency) may face greater barriers to engaging with cyber resilience initiatives. Positive impacts were identified in areas such as inclusive education, accessible information and targeted awareness campaigns. The strategy also acknowledges intersectional and human rights considerations, recognising that overlapping vulnerabilities can compound digital exclusion.

In response, the strategy includes a range of targeted actions, including accessible formats for guidance, promotion of cyber careers to underrepresented groups and embedding cyber resilience in lifelong learning. Ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement will ensure that equality considerations remain central throughout implementation, with periodic reviews of the EQIA to reflect new evidence and evolving needs.