Updated Toolkit Aims to Strengthen Security Practices and Awareness Across Health and Social Care Sectors.
In a significant move towards bolstering cybersecurity measures in the healthcare domain, NHS Digital has unveiled an updated version of its security awareness toolkit, now tailored to meet the specific needs of social care organisations. The initiative, named "Keep I.T. Confidential," focuses on enhancing staff knowledge on a range of cyber threats, including phishing, data sharing, unlocked screens, and weak passwords.
Originally launched in 2019 to cater to clinicians in the health sector, the campaign has been expanded to address challenges unique to the social care sector. NHS Digital's Executive Director of Cyber Operations, Mike Fell, emphasised the shared responsibility of good security practices, underlining the pivotal role of cyber awareness in minimising the risk of cyber events impacting patient care.
Fell stated, "We know how busy staff are, but we encourage everyone to prioritise cyber hygiene 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."
The materials provided in the toolkit are designed to be applicable across all types of adult social care and include screensavers, web banners, social media graphics, and suggested copy for bulletins and newsletters. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the campaign's messages are disseminated effectively throughout the sector.
Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care, lauded the campaign for its strong messages tailored to social care providers and their staff. Corrigan emphasised the campaign's role in safeguarding data, recognising the increasing reliance on digital platforms for storing and sharing sensitive information in the sector.
Corrigan stated, "Our sector is making good progress, with increasing numbers of care providers demonstrating good data and cyber security arrangements. 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."
The initiative aligns with the broader effort to strengthen cybersecurity across the healthcare landscape, emphasising the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard patient data and ensure the integrity of healthcare services.
More information about the new cyber security resource is available here.
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