Publish date: 3 October 2023
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month.
With over 1 million new threats released worldwide every day, and a large rise in the number of cyber attacks targeting healthcare organisations, there is no better time to learn how to be cyber savvy!
Good cyber security is everyone’s responsibility and throughout October we will be promoting the simple steps you need to take to protect yourself and others.
Set up MFA to protect your IT account
Cyber crime groups can access your Microsoft 365 account if they guess your password correctly or trick you into sharing your details through scam emails, text messages or phone calls - known as ‘phishing’.
To protect your account, please set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which can block over 99.9% of account compromise attacks.
What is MFA?
MFA adds an additional layer of security to your account sign in process by asking you to prove who you are by providing a second form of ID, in addition to your username and password.
This second form of ID will only be asked for at times when your identity needs to be further verified such as when using a personal computer or personal mobile device to access your NHS email or Microsoft 365 applications.
Join Mersey Care’s growing MFA community!
To date, 2,544 Mersey Care colleagues have enhanced their cyber security by setting up MFA. By setting MFA up now, you will avoid having to do this at an inconvenient time when prompted for MFA in the future.
To find out more and set up MFA on your account, follow our quick step-by-step guidance at www.imerseyside.nhs.uk/mfa
Cyber security support
For more top tips on enhancing your cyber security visit: https://www.be-cybersavvy.co.uk
For cyber security advice or to report anything suspicious, please contact your IT Service Desk from the ‘Self Service’ icon on your device desktop or home screen.