Cyber Security Awareness Month
October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month – and this year, the message could not be more urgent.
Recent high-profile incidents such as the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack have made headlines, but even more disturbing is the recent hack of a UK nursery, which led to the exposure and sharing of children’s personal data. These events show that no organisation is too small or too trusted to be targeted – and that the consequences can be devastating.
For adult social care providers, cyber security is about more than technology – it’s about protecting the people you support, their dignity, and their trust.
This is not a drill. This is real. But there are practical steps you can take – and we’re here to help.
Take advantage of our free support
We provide free resources to help you strengthen your cyber resilience:
Data protection e-learning – short, interactive modules for all staff
The Cyber Game – a fun way to practise handling real-life cyber incidents
Cyber security guidance – plain English advice, checklists, and templates
Better Security, Better Care – our national and local support programme
You can also use resources from Keep IT Confidential – free NHS England materials to raise awareness. Check out the messages for social care – cobranded with Digital Care Hub.
All free, all practical, all designed for care settings.
What’s ON this month
Throughout October, we’ll be exploring key themes including:
Building essential cyber skills in your team
Tailoring data and cyber security policies to your organisation
Managing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) risks
Understanding AI and cyber security
Hearing directly from care providers on how they’re strengthening their defences
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and tune in to our Ctrl+Care podcasts on Spotify and Youtube for the latest updates and insights.
Cyber attacks are real – and preventable
We’re proud to have recently won the Not-for-Profit category at the National Cyber Awards, recognising our work to make cyber support accessible to the care sector.
But as the nursery hack reminds us, even the most trusted settings can fall victim. Data breaches cause real harm – to people, families, and communities.
You can take action today:
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
Keep all devices and software updated
Train staff to spot common attacks such as phishing
Have a clear incident response plan
Review your data security policies regularly
Use the Data Security and Protection Tool to check and improve your arrangements.
Find practical help on our data protection and cyber security pages.
“Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility – and it protects the people we care for. With the stakes so high, it’s vital we all take action. Come and see us at the Care Show, try the Cyber Game, or book a webinar. Follow us on social media and share what steps you’re taking this month to strengthen your defences.”
— Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Programme Delivery, Digital Care Hub
Make this the month you act
Take a course.
Play the Cyber Game.
Use the Data Policy Builder.
Join our sessions at the Care Show.
Because cyber security isn’t optional – it’s essential.
#CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth