How Care Homes Can Turn Email from a Cybersecurity Risk into a Defence

Cyberattacks on care homes often start with email. Learn how Cranborne helps care homes protect sensitive data and residents by transforming their email security strategy. 



For care homes, email is an essential tool used daily for communication with families, healthcare professionals, suppliers, and regulators. But it’s also one of the biggest cybersecurity risks. Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with an email, and the healthcare sector is a prime target because of the sensitive information it holds. 


At Cranborne, we understand the unique pressures care homes face. Protecting resident data isn’t just a legal obligation under GDPR and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards it’s critical for maintaining trust and safety. 


The good news? With the right approach, your care home's email system can become a powerful defence against cyber threats. 


Why Email Is a Target for Cybercriminals 


Care homes handle highly sensitive personal information resident records, medical data, payment details making them attractive to cybercriminals. Hackers exploit busy teams, high staff turnover, and a lack of specialist IT knowledge to launch attacks via email. 


Threats can include: 

  • Phishing scams impersonating healthcare suppliers or family members 
  • Malware hidden in attachments 
  • Ransomware links that lock access to vital systems until a ransom is paid 
  • Business Email Compromise (BEC) attempts, where attackers impersonate managers to divert funds 


Without the right safeguards, a single malicious email could result in: 

  • Data breaches 
  • Disruption to care services 
  • Significant fines under GDPR 
  • Long-term damage to your care home’s reputation 


Key Steps to Strengthen Your Care Home's Email Security 


1. Staff Training in Cyber Awareness 
Your team is the first line of defence. Regular training helps staff spot suspicious emails, verify unusual requests, and avoid falling for scams. Frontline carers, admin teams, and managers all need clear, practical advice they can apply every day. 


At Cranborne, we recommend frequent, bite-sized training sessions to fit around busy care home schedules. 


2. Phishing Simulations 
Running phishing simulations helps care home staff practice spotting fake emails in a safe environment. These exercises are proven to increase awareness and reduce the chances of real attacks succeeding. 


3. Advanced Email Protection 
Basic spam filters aren’t enough anymore. Care homes need smart, AI-driven email security systems that can block sophisticated threats before they reach inboxes scanning for unusual behaviour, dangerous links, and fake sender details. 


4. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) 
XDR tools monitor not just your email but your entire care home IT environment laptops, WiFi networks, cloud systems helping spot cyberattacks early and react quickly to stop them spreading. 


5. AI as a Defence 
Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to create smarter scams. Care homes can level the playing field by using AI security tools that adapt and respond to new threats in real time providing better protection than traditional security solutions. 


Why Email Security Matters More Than Ever for Care Homes 


In today’s care environment, with remote consultations, digital record-keeping, and increasing cyber threats, care homes can’t afford to leave email security to chance. 


A breach could mean more than just lost data it could impact resident safety and cause serious compliance issues. 


By investing in: 

  • Staff cyber awareness 
  • Advanced email protection 
  • Strong detection and response systems 

… care homes can stay protected and continue to provide safe, high-quality care. 


At Cranborne, we specialise in helping care homes strengthen their cybersecurity posture with solutions tailored to the unique needs of the sector. 


Protect Your Care Home. Protect Your Residents 


Email security is no longer optional. It's a vital part of safeguarding your care home’s data, finances, and reputation. 


Get in touch with Cranborne today to find out how we can help your care home turn its inbox from a vulnerability into a strong first line of defence. 


Book your FREE IT Audit and take the first step toward safer, more confident care.  


Cranborne Technologies: Tech that cares.  


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