October 2023 sees the 20th annual Cyber Security Awareness Month taking place internationally to promote cyber security awareness among individuals and organisations.
With smartphones, computers and the internet forming such a fundamental part of everyday life, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the risks from cyber criminals to our devices and personal information.
These same risks are present in the workplace and present a particular challenge to healthcare as when NHS IT infrastructure is compromised, patient care is disrupted and delayed.
Here at NHS Arden & GEM, both the IT Security team and wider IT service are working to keep over 50,000 health and social care users safe online.
This Cyber Security Awareness Month we are focusing on four key behaviours to help protect you, your family and the NHS from online threats:
1) Use strong passwords
Choose longer passwords, don’t reuse passwords and try to use three word phrases which are harder to crack than shorter, random passwords.
2) Turn on Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
Protect yourself by enabling MFA for NHSMail, turning on MFA for your personal accounts, and encouraging your colleagues and family members to do the same.
3) Recognise and report phishing emails
Protect yourself against phishing by checking for red flags, always stopping to think before clicking a link and reporting suspicious emails at work to spamreports@nhs.net
4) Update your software as soon as possible
Protect your system by regularly checking for software updates, downloading updates in as timely manner and following prompts to restart your device as soon as possible.
Find out more about how we support health and care organisations to stop cyber threats, remain compliant and ensure resilience here.