What is cyber security?


Cyber security is the means by which individuals and organisations reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber attack.

Cyber security's core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access - both online and at work - from theft or damage. It's also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.

Cyber security is important because smartphones, computers and the internet are now such a fundamental part of modern life, that it's difficult to imagine how we'd function without them. From online banking and shopping, to email and social media, it's more important than ever to take steps that can prevent cyber criminals getting hold of our accounts, data, and devices.

Check your cyber security



This free government service for UK organisations performs a range of simple online checks to identify common vulnerabilities in your public-facing IT.

All checks are remote, without the need to install software and uses the same kind of publicly available information as cyber criminals use to find easy targets.



Click Here

Watch the recording of our webinar: Cyber Security and Online safety for social care

Exercise in a Box is an online tool from the NCSC which helps organisations test and practise their response to a cyber attack. It is completely free and you don’t have to be an expert to use it.

The service provides exercises, based around the main cyber threats, which your organisation can do in your own time, in a safe environment, as many times as you want. It includes everything you need for setting up, planning, delivery, and post-exercise activity, all in one place.

Cybersecurity in care environments is an increasingly important aspect to consider in our technologically-driven world. As care homes and healthcare facilities continue to adopt digital solutions to streamline operations and enhance patient care, they also become potential targets for cyber threats. Protecting sensitive patient data, ensuring the safety of medical devices, and safeguarding the facility's infrastructure are critical for maintaining the trust of patients and their families.


This video from The Digital Care Hub (previously Better Security, Better Care) is an interesting watch and explains the types of Cyber attacks and the potential impact on your business, staff and clients.

Think you'd never be a victim of a cyber scam? 


We were recently sent this excellent video made by the Welsh Government featuring a finance manager at a care home explaining how she was scammed by cyber criminals resulting in thousands of pounds being stolen from the organisation's bank accounts. It's a really moving film and hits home how important it is for everyone in your organisation to be cyber-crime savvy.

Here are some key considerations for implementing cyber security measures in care homes:


  1. Data Protection and Privacy: Care providers handle a vast amount of sensitive patient data, including personal information and medical records. It's crucial to ensure that all this data is stored securely and protected from unauthorized access. This involves using strong encryption, regularly updating access controls, and following data protection regulations such as DSPT (Data Security & Protection Toolkit).
  2. Employee Training and Awareness:  Staff should be educated about potential cyber security risks and trained to recognize common threats like phishing emails, social engineering attempts, and malware. Human error is often the weakest link in cyber security, so educating employees about best practices and potential pitfalls is essential.
  3. Secure Network Infrastructure: The care Providers network infrastructure must be designed with security in mind. This includes using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Secure Wi-Fi networks are essential to protect against unauthorized access.
  4. Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Ensuring that all software, including operating systems, medical applications, and other tools, is up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial. Cyber attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software.
  5. Securing Medical Devices: Many modern medical devices used by care providers are connected to the internet or the facility's network. These devices can be potential entry points for cyber threats. Implementing security measures on medical devices, such as changing default passwords and ensuring they are regularly updated, is essential.
  6. Disaster Recovery and Backups: Having a robust disaster recovery plan in place can help care providers recover from a cyber-attack quickly. Regularly backing up data and testing the restoration process ensures that even if an attack occurs, critical data can be restored without significant downtime.
  7. Access Control and Identity Management: Limiting access to sensitive data and systems only to authorised personnel helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Implementing strong identity management practices, like multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security.
  8. Vendor Management: Care Providers often rely on various vendors and third-party service providers for technology and software solutions. It's essential to assess their security practices and ensure they meet the necessary standards to protect patient data and maintain a secure environment.
  9. Incident Response Plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan is crucial for minimizing the impact of a cyber security incident. The plan should include steps for identifying, containing, mitigating, and recovering from a cyber-attack.
  10. Regular Security Audits and Assessments: Periodic cyber security audits and assessments can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the  security infrastructure. These assessments should be conducted by experienced professionals and followed up with appropriate remediation actions.


Implementing strong cyber security measures is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and adaptability. By prioritizing data protection and investing in robust security practices, care homes can enhance patient trust, protect their reputation, and safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats.


You can check your Cyber security here:

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