The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) and Welsh Government have launched an initiative to provide free cyber security training to the country’s social care sector.
They said it comes in response to a surge in cyber attacks and the fact the sector is largely operating on outdated systems.
The Cyber Ninjas training scheme – which is being rolled out by the WCRC and delivered by Matobo Learning through its platform – provides funding for 2,500 social care training licences in cyber security.
The training is based on a Matobo Learning programme created for the BBC and has been awarded National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Assured Training status.
It consists of two hours of online lessons which can be tracked and has knowledge checks. The 12 modules can be broken down into individual lessons, covering steps to take while working online to prevent cyber attacks such as phishing and hacking.
Strengthening resilience
Reg Kilpatrick, director general Covid recovery and local government in the Welsh Government, said: “I am delighted to see this direct and focused support to help improve and strengthen cyber resilience across the care sector in Wales.
“This comes at a time where we have seen repeatedly the serious damage and disruption cyber attacks can have on organisations and individuals who provide care to the most vulnerable in our society.”
WCRC director Paul Peters commented: “Cyber security is not something that the sector can afford to be complacent about; a full team effort is required to understand the risks and adhere to basic guidance as a minimum. A successful cyber attack or breach can lead to, amongst other things, operational disaster and severe reputational damage, especially when highly sensitive data concerning loved ones is at stake.
“We look forward to engaging with care sector organisations about their cyber security challenges and offering the free Cyber Ninjas training programme as a springboard to further improve their cyber resilience.”
