October 1st 2025
October marks the start of 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.
Meet us at the Care Show – stand B11
We’re at the Care Show Birmingham on 8–9 October with a full programme of live sessions and a drop-in hub where you can get expert advice.
Visit us on stand B11 for our drop-in sessions. Our schedule includes:
Day One – Tuesday 8 October
11:00 – Data Policy Builder live demo
See our brand-new tool in action and walk away ready to create customised, DSPT-compliant policies that strengthen security and save you time.
14:00 – Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) & Passwords
Find out how strong your password really is and learn why long passphrases and MFA are your best defence. Includes password challenges and quick memory games.
Day Two – Wednesday 9 October
11:00 – Talk to an Ethical Hacker
Meet Cyber Sam, our in-house ethical hacker. Ask your questions about real-world cyberattacks and take away practical tips to stay safe.
14:00 – Phishing Emails & Social Engineering
Take our phishing quiz and scavenger hunt to learn how scammers operate – and how to protect your organisation from being caught out.
Visit us at Stand B11 – whether you want to watch a live session, try out the Data Policy Builder, or simply talk through your digital questions, we’re here to help.
What’s coming 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
Image – Getty images on Unsplashed
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