Protect Resident Information. Ensure Operational Resilience.

Stay Secure. Stay Ahead.

Implement security controls appropriate for healthcare environments—protecting resident information, supporting accreditation requirements, and demonstrating commitment to resident safety

Security Threats Facing Aged Care Facilities

Aged care facilities face security challenges affecting both resident information and operational systems:

Email Compromise & Phishing

Phishing campaigns targeting staff email accounts are common initial access vectors. Aged care staff may be less technically aware, making them vulnerable to sophisticated social engineering attacks.

Resident Data Theft

Health information, personal details, financial records, and family contact information stored in aged care systems represent valuable targets for identity theft and fraud.

Ransomware & Operational Disruption

Ransomware attacks can shut down critical systems—resident care management systems, medication dispensing, emergency alerts. Even brief downtime can compromise resident safety and care quality.

Insider Threats & Access Control

Staff turnover, contractor access, and complex permission structures create risk. Departing employees or those with excessive privileges can compromise resident data or system integrity.

System Vulnerabilities & Malware

Outdated software, unpatched systems, and legacy medical equipment create security gaps. Malware can spread through networks, affecting multiple systems and residents simultaneously.

Supplier & Network Risk

Aged care facilities use multiple external vendors—medical suppliers, software providers, internet services. Each connection point creates potential security exposure affecting resident care.

Common Security Gaps in Aged Care

Based on security assessments across aged care facilities, these gaps are frequently identified:

Weak Authentication Controls

  • Single-factor authentication on systems containing resident data
  • Shared login credentials across staff
  • No multi-factor authentication for sensitive systems

Inadequate Email Security

  • No email filtering or advanced phishing protection
  • Missing email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
  • Limited staff security awareness training

Backup & Recovery Deficiencies

  • Untested backup procedures
  • Backups stored alongside primary systems (accessible to ransomware)
  • No documented recovery time objectives (RTO) for critical systems

Patch Management Gaps

  • Irregular software and security updates
  • Difficulty patching legacy medical equipment
  • No formal patch management process

Mobile Device & Remote Access Risk

  • Staff accessing resident data from personal devices
  • No mobile device management or BYOD policy
  • Insecure remote access to care management systems

Incident Response Gaps

  • No documented breach response procedures
  • Unclear resident/family notification protocols
  • Limited incident detection capabilities

Aged Care Quality Standards & Privacy Obligations

Aged care providers face multiple security-related regulatory obligations:

Aged Care Quality Standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards require providers to implement security measures protecting residents and their information. Standard 2.2 specifically addresses privacy and information management, requiring secure systems and appropriate access controls.

  • Protection of resident information and privacy
  • Secure storage and management of personal data
  • Appropriate access controls and audit trails
  • Incident reporting and response procedures

Privacy Act Compliance

Aged care facilities handling health information are subject to the Privacy Act (and corresponding State health records legislation). Health information receives heightened protection due to sensitivity and regulatory requirements.

  • Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) requiring information security
  • Health Records Act compliance (where applicable)
  • Mandatory breach notification obligations
  • Individual access rights to health records

Accreditation & Insurance Requirements

Accreditation bodies and aged care insurers increasingly require documented security programs. Demonstrating systematic security controls supports accreditation renewals and insurance underwriting.

  • Accreditation body expectations for security maturity
  • Professional indemnity insurance requirements
  • Liability risk management through security controls
  • Demonstration of duty of care to residents

How SMB1001 Certification Supports Aged Care

The SMB1001 framework includes five progressive tiers. We specialize in Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification—designed for Australian aged care facilities and aligned with Aged Care Quality Standards, resident privacy protection, and healthcare security threat profiles. Diamond and Platinum tiers exist for enterprise organizations with dedicated security teams.

Bronze

Foundation - 7 Core Areas

Addresses fundamental security gaps commonly exploited in aged care incidents:

  • Identity & Access Management: Controls preventing unauthorized access to resident data
  • Data Protection & Recovery: Frameworks protecting and recovering resident information
  • Threat Prevention: Email filtering and malware protection addressing common attack vectors
  • Security Awareness: Staff training reducing phishing and social engineering vulnerability
  • Vendor Security: Assessment processes for third-party risk (medical suppliers, software providers)
  • Incident Response: Frameworks for detection, response, and family notification
  • Governance: Documentation supporting Aged Care Quality Standards compliance

These foundational areas directly address resident safety, privacy protection, and Aged Care Quality Standards expectations.

Silver

Intermediate - 15 Areas

Bronze foundation + enhanced capabilities for growing facilities:

  • Advanced authentication (multi-factor authentication on critical systems)
  • Enhanced threat monitoring and detection
  • Remote access security for distributed care teams
  • Systematic vulnerability management and patching
  • Enhanced vendor risk assessment and ongoing monitoring

Appropriate for:

  • Multi-site aged care operators
  • Facilities with 50+ staff members
  • Facilities managing complex integrated systems
  • Organizations seeking competitive differentiation
Gold

Advanced - 30+ Areas

Comprehensive security program for complex aged care operations:

  • Network segmentation protecting sensitive resident data zones
  • Security testing and validation frameworks
  • Advanced incident response capabilities
  • Privacy and compliance frameworks for regulatory confidence
  • Comprehensive third-party risk management

Appropriate for:

  • Large aged care operators (200+ residents)
  • Organizations serving high-acuity residents
  • Facilities with complex IT environments
  • Organizations prioritizing security as competitive advantage

Implementation Approach for Aged Care

Our Process:

1

Assessment

  • Current security posture and resident data protection evaluation
  • Care management system security review
  • Regulatory alignment assessment against Aged Care Quality Standards
  • Gap analysis against SMB1001 framework
2

Planning

  • Certification roadmap development aligned with facility goals
  • Resource and budget requirement identification
  • Coordination with IT providers and care management vendors
  • Implementation timeline and milestone planning
3

Implementation

  • Security control framework implementation guidance
  • Staff training (tailored for aged care environment)
  • Policy and procedure development for incident response and privacy
  • Care system security configuration support
  • Vendor security assessment and ongoing monitoring
4

Certification

  • Readiness assessment and evidence collection
  • Certification audit coordination
  • Documentation package preparation
  • Certification achievement and ongoing compliance support

Note: Technical implementation is typically performed by your IT team or managed service provider with our expert guidance and oversight.

How Aged Care Facilities Benefit

Proven Security Capability

Implementation of recognized controls designed to address threats affecting aged care operations and resident safety

Standards Alignment

Frameworks supporting Aged Care Quality Standards and Privacy Act compliance, reducing regulatory risk

Family & Community Confidence

Independent certification demonstrating commitment to resident information protection and safety

Insurance & Accreditation Support

Evidence of security program implementation supporting professional indemnity insurance and accreditation requirements

Reduced Operational Risk

Systematic approach to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that could disrupt care or compromise resident safety

Business Continuity

Improved capability to prevent, detect, and recover from security incidents while maintaining resident care operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does SMB1001 certification support Aged Care Quality Standards?

A: The Aged Care Quality Standards require secure information management and privacy protection. SMB1001 provides a recognized framework demonstrating systematic security controls—supporting compliance with Standard 2.2 and related privacy obligations.

Q: We use care management software from [vendor]. Can we still certify?

A: Yes. SMB1001 is vendor-agnostic. We work within your existing care management system to implement appropriate security controls and oversight.

Q: Our IT is managed by a contractor. How does this work?

A: We coordinate with your IT contractor to implement technical controls. You receive consulting guidance; your contractor handles technical execution with our oversight.

Q: How long does Bronze certification take?

A: Typically 3-4 months from assessment to certification for facilities with basic security hygiene already in place. Timeline varies based on starting maturity and resource availability.

Q: Will this help with our accreditation assessment?

A: SMB1001 certification demonstrates compliance with security expectations in Aged Care Quality Standards. Many facilities report that certification strengthens accreditation assessments by showing evidence of systematic security management.

Q: How does this protect resident privacy?

A: SMB1001 controls directly address Privacy Act compliance and resident information protection—including access controls, encryption, breach response procedures, and audit trails. This demonstrates your facility's commitment to protecting resident data.

Ready to Demonstrate Security Commitment to Residents & Regulators?

Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss:

  • Your current security posture and resident data protection
  • Threats specific to your aged care facility
  • How SMB1001 supports Aged Care Quality Standards
  • Whether Bronze, Silver, or Gold aligns with your facility's needs
  • Implementation approach with your existing IT resources