Andrew Davies
Executive Director, Digital Health, ABHI
As threat levels grow, and new technologies increase access opportunities, we need to work across regulatory policies to secure patient data and NHS systems.
As the NHS embraces the shift from analogue to digital, including the widespread adoption of cloud-based systems and connected devices, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. From electronic health records to remote monitoring platforms, the reliance on digital technologies offers immense benefits but also exposes the healthcare sector to sophisticated cyber threats. As recent cyber-attacks have shown, the stakes could not be higher — patient safety and trust are on the line.
Increasing threat level on healthcare data
Healthcare is one of the most targeted sectors. With highly sensitive patient data and interconnected networks, health systems, such as the NHS, are prime targets for ransomware attacks and data breaches.
The NHS faces unique challenges, including ageing IT infrastructure, a vast number of access points and the sheer scale of its operations. High-profile attacks, like the 2017 WannaCry incident, underscore the devastating impact of inadequate cybersecurity measures on patient care and operational continuity. More recent attacks, such as that on pathology partnership Synnovis, also highlight the vulnerabilities in the health supply chain.
Healthcare is one of the
most targeted sectors.
Regulatory alignment is vital
Healthtech incorporates increasingly connected capabilities and is being deployed in the health system and people’s homes to diagnose, monitor and treat individuals, enhancing care delivery and system efficiency. However, there is a risk of conflict between healthtech regulation and NHS cybersecurity rules, primarily driven by the differing primary outcomes of the policies. These conflicts can be seen in areas such as device certification, patching requirements and network segmentation.
While the NHS has acknowledged these challenges, resolving these conflicts fully requires better alignment between healthtech regulations and cybersecurity policies, as well as formal ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.
Proactive strategies for the NHS
To safeguard patient data and maintain public trust, the NHS must adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Collaboration between the NHS, private tech companies and government bodies is essential to establish unified cybersecurity standards and address emerging threats effectively.
The NHS’s incorporation of connected devices is a step towards greater efficiency and innovation, but it comes with responsibilities. With patient lives and data at stake, robust cybersecurity is not optional — it is a necessity.
