Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025: Protecting sensitive data in care

Why Cyber Security matters in care

Every October, Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds organisations worldwide that data protection is not optional – it’s essential. But in social care, safeguarding data isn’t just about compliance – it’s about preserving trust, safety and quality of care. From service users’ health records to staff files and internal systems, every piece of information must be handled with integrity.

The adult social care sector is increasingly a target for cyberattacks. According to “Understanding the State of Cyber Security in Adult Social Care”, care providers are vulnerable because of their reliance on shared digital platforms and limited resources for cyber defence. In the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, around 41 % of health or care organisations reported at least one security breach or attack.

 

Why does this matter so much in care settings?

Cyber security isn’t just an IT issue – it’s a care issue. When systems go down or data is lost, it can affect the people who rely on your service most. Here’s why staying secure really matters:

• Protecting continuity of care
  If your digital care records or key systems are compromised, staff can lose access to vital information – such as medication details, care plans or risk assessments – right when it’s needed most. The Digital Care Hub highlights that a single cyber incident can disrupt day-to-day care and make it harder to deliver safe, consistent support.
• Meeting regulatory expectations
  Regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC), along with inspection bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, expect care providers to have robust data protection processes in place. As Care England notes, poor cyber security can impact your Well-led rating – because strong governance and system resilience are part of demonstrating safe, high-quality care.
• Supporting a safer, more resilient sector
  Cyber security is now a national priority across health and social care. The Cyber Security Strategy for Health and Adult Social Care to 2030 outlines a shared goal: to strengthen digital resilience, protect data, and ensure care can continue even when threats emerge.

 

In short: the cyber risks are real and growing. And that’s exactly why Care Control places data security front and centre – not just for us internally, but in every service we deliver to care providers.

 

Building awareness in our team

Protecting sensitive information starts with people. Technology can provide the right tools, but without awareness, staff remain vulnerable to threats. This is why we’ve been actively strengthening our team’s knowledge and confidence in cyber security.

 

Here’s what we’ve been doing in the office:

👩‍💻 Interactive staff training sessions designed to build awareness and confidence when handling sensitive data
🔐 Team workshops on spotting threats such as phishing, ransomware and unsafe password practices
📊 Team quizzes to reinforce learning and sharpen our cyber security knowledge

These initiatives aren’t just tick-box exercises. They ensure that every member of our team knows how to handle data responsibly and can recognise potential risks before they become a problem.

Our commitment to training and awareness means that you, as a care provider, can trust that your information is in safe hands.

 

Why this matters for care providers

October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month is an ideal time for care providers to reflect on their own approach to data security. The reality is that the care sector handles some of the most sensitive data of all – from medical information and medication records to staff HR files.

The stakes are high. A data breach doesn’t just risk fines or regulatory action, it can damage trust between you and the families who depend on your services. In many cases, it can also put vulnerable individuals at risk if their information is mishandled.

That’s why data security is not an optional add-on – it is an essential part of delivering quality care.

 

How Care Control keeps your data safe

At Care Control, data security isn’t just a feature – it’s a foundation. As an NHS Assured Supplier, our software meets strict national standards designed to keep sensitive information safe. We also ensure that our systems align with GDPR requirements, giving care providers confidence that personal and medical data is protected at all times.

Our approach to security combines:

• Compliance with industry standards to safeguard sensitive information

• Regular training and awareness for our own team so data is always handled responsibly

• Ongoing investment in secure, reliable systems to give providers confidence and peace of mind

This means you can focus on providing outstanding care, while trusting that your data is managed securely and responsibly.

 

Practical tips this month

Throughout Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing:
✅ Practical tips to strengthen your security processes
✅ How Care Control’s systems protect your data every day
✅ How we are upskilling our own team with the latest training and guidance

 

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We encourage every care provider to take part this October – whether it’s reviewing staff knowledge, updating your policies or looking at how your care management software supports security.

Cyber security in care is not a one-time project, it’s an ongoing responsibility. At Care Control, we’re committed to keeping your information safe while also ensuring our own team remains prepared and vigilant.

By investing in training, secure systems and awareness, we can all work together to protect what matters most – the people in our care. Book a demo today to discover how Care Control protects your data and keeps your digital care management secure.

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