October 10th 2024
With Cyber Security Awareness Month in full swing, local authorities in England are being asked how they enable contracted adult social care services to follow good data and cyber security practices.
The survey – which is being conducted by the Association for Directors of Adult Social Services regional teams and Better Security, Better Care – explores what data protection requirements are included in local authority contracts and how they monitor compliance.
Launched today, the survey is a response to the increased cyber security risks faced by the public sector and the services they commission.
The goal is to understand what mechanisms are used to ensure that care providers are equipped to handle potential data breaches or cyber attacks, as well as explore what else might help councils to work with care providers in the future.
The findings will be used to identify what resources and support could be made accessible to local authorities to help them strengthen data and cyber security measures throughout commissioned care services.
“Data and cyber security are critical components of a robust social care system. As we increasingly rely on digital solutions, it’s imperative that all partners in the social care ecosystem work together to strengthen our defences against potential threats. This project marks an important step in understanding and improving the measures currently in place,” said Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care.
“Our collaboration with ADASS will help ensure that the sector is resilient and prepared to protect sensitive information effectively.”
“We are pleased to be leading on this important piece of work,” said Mark de Bernhardt Lane of South West ADASS.
“We know that cyber attacks are becoming more common and that those attacks are likely to increase. We can all play our part in improving cyber security and reducing the risk and impact of attacks. This partnership with Better Security, Better Care will help councils identify good practice and what else can help when working with care providers to strengthen data protection arrangements.”
Notes to Editors
About Better Security, Better Care
Better Security, Better Care is a national and local support programme to help adult social care providers to store and share information safely. It covers paper and digital records.
The main focus of the Better Security, Better Care programme is to help care providers to understand the importance of data and cyber security, and complete an annual, online self-assessment using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).
About ADASS
ADASS are a membership organisation for people working in adult social care. As a charity they work with professionals, other organisations and people with lived experience to influence decision makers, policy and legislation – from the local to regional to national level.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact [email protected]
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