Welcome to October! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to think about our seasonal health. We’re all familiar with the routine: scheduling check-ups, getting flu shots, and stocking up on vitamins to ward off winter illnesses.

But what about our digital health? When was the last time you gave your cybersecurity a check-up? October isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy jumpers — it is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year’s theme is ‘Securing Our World and highlights the importance of good cyber hygiene in protecting our digital lives from cybercriminals.

Cyber hygiene checklist:

• Strong passwords: Use complex passwords no less than eight characters long, which include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names;
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security beyond passwords, typically involving a code sent to your phone or email or an authentication app. MFA act as an additional barrier which can protect your account even if your password is stolen;
• Regular software updates: Keep your operating system, applications, and antivirus software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities;
• Employee awareness training: Stay informed about current cybersecurity threats and educate yourself and your team about safe practices, phishing scams, and the latest social engineering tactics;
• Data backup: Regularly back up important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage to prevent loss in case of ransomware or other cyber-attacks; and
• Secure Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption and change default router passwords to secure your home or office network.

Just as we take steps to boost our immune systems, we need to strengthen our digital defences. In the pharmaceutical industry, where sensitive data is a prime target for cybercriminals, robust cybersecurity isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.

In June 2017, Merck, a leading pharmaceutical company, experienced a devastating cyber-attack known as NotPetya. This ransomware attack disrupted Merck’s global operations, leading to production shutdowns and distribution delays for critical medications. The incident underscored the importance of maintaining good cyber hygiene practices and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive pharmaceutical data and ensure operational continuity.

Think of cyber hygiene as digital self-care. It’s all about forming good habits: securing your devices, keeping software up-to-date, and staying alert to threats like phishing attacks. Just as you wouldn’t skip washing your hands, don’t overlook the basics in your cyber hygiene checklist, and regularly check your systems for vulnerabilities.

For those in community pharmacy, the stakes are even higher. You are guardians of valuable intellectual property, sensitive patient data, and crucial clinical trial information. A single breach could spell disaster, both financially and in terms of patient trust.

So, this October, as you’re bundling up against the chill and boosting your vitamin C intake, take a moment to shore up your digital defences too. In this industry, top-notch cybersecurity isn’t just smart — it is a critical part of the important work you do in keeping people healthy and safe.

Let’s work together to protect patient privacy and uphold the trust placed in us as healthcare providers.

For more articles and advice, visit ipu.ie/cybersecurity.