October 2nd 2023
Embracing digital systems in adult social care can streamline processes, enhance communication, and enable efficient data management – ultimately improving care quality and outcomes. But with the sector handling vast amounts of sensitive information online, protecting it has never been more critical.
October marks the beginning of Cyber Security Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at promoting online safety and security. Safeguarding sensitive information has always been important to adult social care, and with the increased use of digital, how we protect information is changing.
According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023, 32% of businesses and 24% of charities report having cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months
That’s why this Cyber Security Awareness Month, Better Security, Better Care are calling on the sector to think about their arrangements and consider the less obvious risks.
Across the month, we’ll be highlighting some of the vulnerabilities you might encounter, and how to reduce risk. We’ll be sharing key insights and information for care providers to support you in strengthening your cyber security arrangements.
Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care, commented on the importance of awareness raising in our sector.
“Cyber Security Awareness Month serves as a reminder that we must continue to adapt to a digitally evolving landscape. By prioritising cyber security, care services can demonstrate they understand the importance of protecting the data of vulnerable individuals as well as their business.”
If you want to raise awareness of Cyber Security Awareness Month in your care service, we strongly encourage you to use the free campaign resources developed in partnership with NHS Digital.
The aim is to help improve staff knowledge of cyber security concerns such as phishing, unauthorised data sharing, unlocked screens and weak passwords.
Resources in the toolkit include:
- Screensavers
- Digital banners
- Sticky notes
- Social media graphics – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
- An animation
Further information
- See Better Security, Better Care’s guidance on Cyber Security
- Book on to an exclusive free webinar exploring the impact of a cyber attack on social care
- Access the NHS Digital Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign page.
- Get free, expert support to use the Data Security & Protection Toolkit.