A growing threat

The social care sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge in cyberattacks as a high-value target for criminals. Over half of UK social care and health businesses have been the target of cyber-attacks and are ranked as the fifth most likely sector to be hit by cybercrime.

The combination of sensitive patient data, outdated security systems, and sophisticated hacking techniques has created a perfect storm for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain. Additionally, human error, such as falling victim to phishing attacks, expose sensitive information to malicious actors.

The impact of these attacks is not only incredibly costly to an organisation but the emotional trauma it can have on the victims themselves is very serious. Cyber threats target vulnerabilities in online systems but for those on the receiving end, the level of stress and emotional distress it can also bring is significant.

Case study

The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales works alongside regional cybercrime units to protect and support Welsh businesses and organisations against the threat of cybercrime.

The Welsh Government recently produced the following video – which highlights the devastation a cyberattack had on an organisation operating in the social care sector – to demonstrate just how easy it is to become a victim and the impact it can have.

New initiative for the social care sector

In response to this growing issue, the Welsh Government has launched a new initiative that offers training to help improve your organisation’s cyber security. It has procured 2,500 cyber training licenses, which will enable staff in the social care sector in Wales to be onboarded to the training platform Matobo Learning to access the Cyber Ninjas e-course for free.

If you would like to learn more about this initiative then read our blog here, or contact the WCRC at enquiries@wcrcentre.co.uk.