Cyber Security in Social Care: Why Resilience Matters More Than Ever
As cyber threats continue to rise across the UK, adult social care finds itself increasingly targeted. Phishing, credential theft, ransomware and supply-chain attacks now routinely affect small and medium providers, many of whom lack the internal infrastructure to respond. What was once an “IT issue” has become a board-level risk, capable of disrupting care delivery, compromising sensitive data, and jeopardising business continuity.
Against this backdrop, the sector has made remarkable progress. Five years ago, only 13 percent of social care providers had completed the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). Today, that figure has risen to more than 75 percent. This shift shows a growing recognition that cyber security isn’t optional – it is foundational to safe, high-quality care.
At Digital Care Hub, we’ve learned that providers don’t struggle with willingness; they struggle with capacity. Many care organisations simply don’t have the time or expertise to produce robust cyber and data protection policies from scratch. That’s why one of the most transformative tools we’ve developed has been our Data Policy Builder. It allows providers to create clear, compliant, tailored policies, giving them a practical starting point for good governance and DSPT completion. For many services, it’s the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control.
But compliance is only the beginning. The next challenge for the sector is building true cyber resilience – moving from “ticking the box” to embedding safe digital practice into everyday operations. That means regular staff training, clear incident response plans, secure access controls, and awareness of evolving scams and threats. It also means understanding your digital supply chain and ensuring partners meet appropriate standards.
The renewed government funding for Better Security, Better Care through to 2029 signals a long-term commitment to these priorities. It will support new voluntary cyber and data health checks, help providers navigate upcoming DSPT enhancements, and strengthen local support networks that have been vital in driving progress so far.
But ultimately, resilience will be built provider by provider, through small, consistent improvements: policies that are actually used, staff who know what to do when something looks suspicious, and leaders who recognise that cyber security is now as essential to safe care as medication management or safeguarding.
Social care has already proven how quickly it can rise to a digital challenge. The next four years offer an opportunity to turn that momentum into lasting, sector-wide confidence.
For further information please visit https://digitalcarehub.co.uk/cyber-security
