The progress of digital adoption

Adult social care has made significant progress on its digital journey. Many providers relied on paper records and disconnected systems, but digital care records, workforce systems, eMAR and remote monitoring are now becoming the norm. This shift supports more personalised care, better coordination with health partners and stronger insights for leadership and decision‑making.

 

The rising cyber threat

As the sector becomes more digital, it also becomes more exposed to cyber risk. In the past year, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities reported a cyber breach or attack, and more than 600,000 organisations experience incidents annually. The National Cyber Security Centre manages over 200 nationally significant incidents each year.

Health and care organisations are particularly attractive targets because of the sensitive data they hold. Personal health information is worth up to ten times more than credit card details on the black market, with some records selling for as much as $250. It includes lifelong information such as medical history, identity details and insurance data, making it valuable for fraud and extortion.

 

How incidents impact services

As reliance on digital systems increases, every new tool or connection broadens the potential attack surface. A cyber incident can disrupt care delivery and impact staff, operations and the people who draw on care.

The threat is also evolving. Attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Artificial intelligence makes phishing harder to identify. Ransomware groups now operate like organised businesses, and supply chain attacks are increasingly common.

 

Cyber security as a leadership issue

Most care providers do not have dedicated IT teams, so responsibility for managing digital and cyber risk sits with leaders and managers. Procurement decisions, governance, staff training and organisational culture all influence resilience. Many incidents stem from

everyday human behaviour — clicking on a phishing email, reusing passwords or making rushed decisions. Supporting staff so they feel confident in recognising and responding to risk is just as important as investing in the right systems.

The role of Digital Care Hub

The sector has made encouraging progress, with thousands of providers engaging with cyber guidance. But as digital adoption accelerates, the ability to manage risk must grow alongside it. Digital Care Hub plays a vital role by helping providers navigate digital, data and cyber challenges, translating complex issues into free practical, accessible advice, tools and guidance.

 

Looking to the future

The future of social care depends not only on adopting digital tools, but also on using them safely and confidently. Cyber resilience is essential for delivering high‑quality, integrated care.

If you are attending the Care Show on 29 – 30 April, please visit the Digital Care Hub stand A01 to find out how we can support your organisation on its digital journey.

www.digitalcarehub.co.uk

hello@digitalcarehub.co.uk