This brings new challenges, which include the safety and security of staff, data and organisational compliance when it comes to remote online working.
Many people think human error creates the greatest online risk or threat. This is not the case. The lack of investment in time, training and including staff as part of an organisation’s online security strategy is arguably the greatest risk. Human errors are merely the result. It’s important that awareness raising and staff training become commonplace within an organisation’s online secure culture. Tick box training will only cover over the cracks.
What is cyber security and how can the SSSC help?
When we speak about cyber security, most people think of the IT department and all things technical. However, online safety and security impacts everyone, so, prevention should involve everyone, in all parts of an organisation.
Most social service workers, either now or in the future, will have access to digital devices as part of your job. We are committed to helping keep the social service workforce safe and secure online.
We have a new Cyber Resilience Coordinator, Scott Tees, who will create a point of contact and provide greater engagement and continuity regarding online safety and security with partner agencies, such as the police and cyber security industry experts. He will engage with the workforce to understand the hurdles you face and work with you to overcome these. His work will be in line with the SSSC Strategic Plan 2020-2023 and supports the commitments we’ve made to help organisations and individuals work to the SSSC Codes of Practice while online.
Our work
We will help workers by using easy to understand language that helps them become more aware, confident and involved in keeping themselves, people who use services and carers safe and secure online.
An example of our current work is a multi-partner project with Lead Scotland. Funded by Scottish Government, it focuses on 10 accessible formats for circulating cyber security messages. You can find details of this project here.
We are also members of The CyberScotland Partnership, which is a collaboration of key strategic stakeholders, brought together to focus efforts on improving cyber resilience across Scotland in a coordinated and coherent way.
As members of the CyberScotland Partnership, we will contribute on behalf of the social service workforce and share information, updates and advice to help keep you safe and secure online. This includes advice from national partners, such as the National Cyber Security Centre and the six actions they recommend to improve your cyber security.
This article highlights just how easily we can all be caught out and how your personal information and finances or that of the people you support can be stolen.