New content in NHS cyber security awareness campaign

NHS Digital has launched new content in the Keep I.T Confidential cyber security campaign to help NHS staff understand more about cyber security threats and know what to do to reduce the risk.

Keep I.T Confidential is an online cyber security awareness toolkit, which is available for free, to help NHS trusts and other healthcare organisations learn about common-sense security practice and the impact it can have on patient safety. It shows practical steps that staff can adopt into their everyday job, such as setting secure passwords, keeping devices locked when they’re not in use, and being aware of phishing, email scams and social engineering.

The materials have been designed to help NHS organisations run their own cyber security awareness campaigns at a time and in a way that suits them.

After a successful first launch in 2019, new information has been added on data security and being aware of the impacts of sharing too much information.

Neil Bennett, NHS Digital’s Chief Information Security Officer, said: “Taking small simple steps such as setting a strong password and keeping your screens and devices locked when they’re not in use, are vital for the NHS and patient safety.  Considering cyber security in your day to day lives can make a huge difference and help to keep ourselves and patients protected online and in our workplaces.

“We know how busy NHS staff are, so we want to help them understand the importance of cyber security and how it can benefit their working lives in a quick and simple way.”