Cyber security in adult social care
About 4 in 5 care providers (79%) have identified cyber threats in the last 12 months, according to a new independent review, which highlights high levels of awareness in the sector but a need to improve working practices to increase resilience.
A digitised and resilient adult social care sector plays a critical role in the government’s ambitious mission to reform the health and care sector, according to the new state of security in adult social care report, published this week.
This reform is centred on ‘the big shifts’ – moving from analogue to digital, hospital to communities and from sickness to prevention.
To ensure these shifts are achieved and that care providers are supported on their digitisation journey, a strong understanding of current cyber security practices and trends in adult social care is fundamental.
The new report, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), gives us that greater understanding and evidence base. It highlights strong progress: only a third of care providers reported experiencing a cyber incident or unsuccessful attack in the last 3 years, compared to half of businesses and a third of charities in the last 12 months.
It also outlines areas of concern and where more work needs to be done, including care providers’ ability to understand cyber security risks, identify cyber threats, and consider and plan for the likely impacts of incidents. The report highlights a lack of dedicated staff resources to manage risks, and the limited information shared by technology suppliers in relation to risk.
Low digital maturity, the sensitive financial information and personal data care providers hold, and the sector’s reliance on a small number of technology suppliers are also cited as contributing to the sector’s vulnerability.
This is where the Digitising Social Care programme, alongside our partner the Digital Care Hub and its Better Security, Better Care programme can help. Together, we are working to transform adult social care through digital innovation.
Do take a look at the raft of resources, training and advice specifically designed for our sector to increase skills and confidence amongst the talented and dedicated social care workforce.