Following a number of breeches affecting security of its data, the NHS have revealed a new multi-million pound Microsoft package to ensure NHS systems have the most up-to-date software with the latest cyber security settings
The deal with Microsoft will ensure all health and care organisations are using the latest Windows 10 software with up-to-date security settings to help prevent cyber attacks.
Since the 2017 NHS cyber attack, the government has invested £60 million to address cyber security weaknesses. A further £150 million will be spent over the next 3 years to improve the NHS’s resilience against attacks. This will include setting up a new Digital Security Operations Centre to prevent, detect and respond to incidents.
The new Digital Security Operations Centre will:
- allow NHS Digital to respond to cyber attacks more quickly
- allow local trusts to detect threats, isolate infected machines and kill the threat before it spreads
Other measures to improve cyber security include:
- £21 million to upgrade firewalls and network infrastructure at major trauma centre hospitals and ambulance trusts
- £39 million spent by NHS trusts to address infrastructure weaknesses
- new powers given to the Care Quality Commission to inspect NHS trusts on their cyber and data security capabilities
- a data security and protection toolkit which requires health and care organisations to meet 10 security standards
- a text messaging alert system to ensure trusts have access to accurate information – even when internet and email services are down
The government said that cyber attacks are a growing threat so it is vital that health and care organisations have secure systems which patients trust. They went on to say that they have been building the capability of NHS systems over a number of years, but there is always more to do to future-proof the NHS against this threat. This new technology will ensure the NHS can use the latest and most resilient software available – something the public rightly expect.
