MACP Training by Scope Solutions: Ethical and Practical Considerations in Using Technology to Communicate and Store Client Information
On 26th of September, the Malta Association for Counselling Practitioners (MACP) held a training session titled “The Use of Technology to Communicate with and Store Information About Clients: Ethical and Practical Considerations” The speaker who delivered the training was Mr Neville Micallef from Scope Solutions; a Maltese cloud solutions company that specialises in transforming and optimising business operations.
This training provided counsellors with critical insights into navigating the digital world while safeguarding client confidentiality and ethical responsibilities. A key theme that emerged was how deeply technology has become integrated into daily life, leading to potential complacency in security. Counsellors were reminded that although technology provides immense convenience for communication and data storage, it also comes with significant risks. As professionals handling sensitive client information, counsellors must ensure that all digital systems meet high security standards to avoid data breaches and other cyber threats.
Participants were also trained to identify suspicious emails, a common avenue for phishing attacks. The session emphasized the tactics hackers use—such as creating a sense of urgency—to manipulate recipients into acting without proper caution. In today’s fast-paced environment, professionals are often conditioned to prioritize efficiency, which hackers exploit. Counsellors were urged to take a moment to verify the authenticity of emails or links before responding, significantly reducing the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
The session also addressed the ethical responsibilities of counsellors in safeguarding client data. Beyond practical security measures, protecting client information is a moral duty and a fundamental aspect of maintaining client trust. Using encrypted communication platforms, secure storage methods, password-protecting devices, and regularly changing passwords were highlighted as essential steps in ensuring data protection.
Overall, the training served as a reminder that while technology is indispensable, counsellors must remain vigilant in protecting their clients’ sensitive information. By balancing efficiency with security, counsellors can uphold both their ethical obligations and the privacy of their clients in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
MACP would like to thank Scope Solutions and Mr Neville Micallef for this training opportunity.