NHS Digital has launched new cyber security resources to support social care organisations in improving security culture within their care settings.
The resources come in the form of an update to NHS Digital’s security awareness toolkit, Keep I.T. Confidential. The toolkit was originally created in 2019 to help clinical staff.
Developed in partnership with Digital Social Care, the resources are free and specifically designed to help social care organisations to improve staff knowledge of security concerns such as phishing, data security, unlocked screens and weak passwords.
Resources include screensavers, web banners, social media graphics and suggested copy for staff bulletins and newsletters. They are designed for use in all adult social care settings such as nursing homes and supported living.
“Good security practices are our shared responsibility and being cyber aware can significantly reduce the chance of cyber events affecting people’s care,” said Mike Fell, NHS Digital’s Executive Director of Cyber Operations. “We know how busy staff are, but we encourage everyone to prioritise cyber hygiene as much as they can to protect the NHS and social care against vulnerabilities.
“Taking small, simple steps and considering security in your day-to-day work can make a huge difference and we hope this campaign can really drive that change.”
Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director for Better Security, Better Care, commented: “The Better Security, Better Care programme welcomes the strong messages for social care providers and their staff in the Keep I.T. Confidential campaign. Protecting people’s data is really a safeguarding issue as we all store and share more and more information digitally.
“Our sector is making good progress, with increasing numbers of care providers demonstrating that they have good data and cyber security arrangements in place, by using the official Data Security and Protection Toolkit. But there is definitely room for improvement.
“The Keep I.T. Confidential campaign provides valuable, clear advice for care staff and we encourage everyone to share these messages widely.”
To view the toolkit, please click here.
