Why cyber security matters more than ever in the care sector

The care sector is built on trust, as care organisations handle sensitive information every day, including medical data, financial information, and contact details. In an increasingly digital world, maintaining that trust means ensuring strong protection against evolving cyber threats.

Cybercrime is no longer a distant possibility; it is a growing challenge affecting care providers of every size, from small care homes to large groups. When attacks occur, the impact can be significant - financially, operationally, and emotionally - making robust cyber resilience more essential than ever.

What makes the care sector a major target?

Care sector organisations are an attractive target to criminals for several key reasons:

• They hold highly sensitive information that is very valuable to hackers

• Staff are often operating in busy environments where their main focus is care delivery, not spotting a potential cyber threat

• Many care sector providers do not have sophisticated cyber security protocols in place

• As care services are critical, criminals know that disruption of operations will create pressure on the organisation to comply or make payment quickly

Cyber attacks on care organisations have resulted in cancelled appointments, loss of access to medical records, delayed administration of vital medications, and, in some severe instances, the complete shutdown of care services temporarily. These are not mere IT issues. They have real consequences for the vulnerable human beings that these organisations are caring for.

Cyber security isn’t just an IT problem

One of the biggest misconceptions about cyber security is that it’s purely the responsibility of the IT department to recognise and respond to potential cyber threats. In reality, cyber security is about the people and processes of the entire organisation coming together to build cyber resilience.

A single phishing email opened by mistake, a reused password, or an unsecure system can be all it takes for a hacker to gain access to your organisation’s documents and information. This doesn’t mean that your staff is at fault; it means organisations need the right awareness, support, and protocols in place to make sure that each member of the team is making responsible decisions regarding cyber security every day.

Cyber resilience will help care providers:

• Protect the dignity and privacy of those they care for

• Maintain safe, uninterrupted care services

• Meet regulatory and data protection requirements

• Protect their reputation and the trust of those who use their services and their families

• Reduce the stress and uncertainty of staff

 “It won’t happen to us”: The consequences

Understandably, cyber security can slip down the priority list in a sector under constant pressure. In fact, many SMEs and charities across several different industries believe that their business is too small to be a target or that they have nothing that criminals would be interested in stealing. Unfortunately, this assumption is something that criminals rely on, and they are experts at catching organisations out when they least expect it.

When a cyber attack happens, the real cost of this is often far greater than expected:

• Time spent recovering breached systems and data

• Staff unable to access the critical information they need to care for patients

• Anxiety for patients, residents, families, and employees

• Financial losses and potential fines for non-compliance with regulations

• Long-term reputational damage and loss of trust

Cyber resilience is about understanding the worst that could happen and being prepared, just in case.

Support that understands the care sector

The Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) Network exists to help SMEs and charities protect themselves from the threats of cybercrime in a practical and accessible way. The network works closely with local businesses, charities, and public sector organisations, including those in health and social care.

One of our regional centres, The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East, works closely with Care England and the Care Provider Alliance to support care sector organisations through free, educational webinars focused specifically on the reality of cyber security in care settings. These sessions are designed to be understandable, relevant, and immediately useful, and you don’t need to have a technical background to get the benefit out of them.

These webinars cover important topics such as:

• The most common cyber threats facing care sector organisations

• How to spot phishing emails and other suspicious activity

• Simple steps that every employee can take to reduce risk

• What you should do if something goes wrong

• How to build cyber awareness across your team

Each session is police-led and designed for anyone working in the care sector to help strengthen their cyber resilience. No technical knowledge required!

📆 Webinar 1 - 23rd February | 11am-12pm

Fully Funded Cyber Support for Care Providers: What’s available & how to access it

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/9w52auhs

📆 Webinar 2 - 10th March | 11am-12pm

Discover Cyber PATH: Free Cyber Resilience Services for the Care Sector

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/ye228y7v

📆 Webinar 3 - 23rd March | 12-1pm

Preparing for a Cyber Incident: Tools and Tips for the Care Sector

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/53zjkme2

Protect your care sector organisation by joining your regional CRC

At its core, cyber security in the care sector is about protecting people, their information, their dignity, and the services that they rely on every day. As care continues to become more digital, cyber resilience needs to be seen as an integral part of delivering safe and high-quality care.

The Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) Network is here to support care sector organisations on that journey, offering expert guidance and resources, fully funded cyber security services, and real-world examples tailored to your industry to help you understand the importance of cyber security to the care sector.

Find your regional cyber resilience centre today and join for free to gain access to this vital support. Care for your people by caring for the systems that protect your organisation.