Cyber Security Awareness Month isn’t about making things complicated. In healthcare, it’s about recognising everyday habits that protect our patients, colleagues, and ourselves. Just like washing our hands reduces infection risk, small actions reduce our cyber risk.
Your password is your key
Would you use the same key for your front door, car, and office? Probably not. Treat your passwords the same. Use three random words, mix in numbers and symbols, and never reuse them across accounts. One strong password keeps everything safer.
Lock before you walk
A key alone isn’t enough if we leave the door wide open. Unlocked devices are an open invitation to data theft. Even if you’re stepping away for a moment, lock your screen every time.
Pause before you share
It’s easy to overshare without meaning to in emails, on social media, or in casual conversations. Ask yourself: would I be comfortable if this information ended up outside the Trust? If the answer is no, keep it safe.
Think before you click
Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats we face. Emails are designed to look convincing and catch us in a moment of distraction. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check the sender carefully and take a moment before clicking any links or opening attachments, those few seconds can be the difference between staying secure and a serious incident.
Two locks are better than one
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) combines something you know (your password) with something you have (like your phone), creating a second lock that is far harder to bypass. Even if your password is compromised, MFA helps keep your account secure, helping safeguard both your account and the wider Trust systems.
Cyber security isn’t once a year. It’s built into the way we work, just like infection prevention or safeguarding. Every locked screen, unique password, and cautious click helps keep our data safe online.