Cyber Security in Healthcare

Our cyber and managed security services help healthcare organisations protect themselves from cyber attacks and meet their regulatory requirements.

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Securing the Future of Healthcare

As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, cyber security is no longer a back-office concern — it’s a frontline necessity. From electronic health records (EHRs) and diagnostic systems to connected medical devices and telehealth platforms, every digital touchpoint introduces both opportunity and risk. At the intersection of patient care and technology lies a growing need for robust cyber security tailored specifically to the healthcare sector.

The Critical Role of
Cyber Security in the Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare providers manage sensitive information, critical infrastructure, and real-time systems that patients depend on. A successful cyber attack on a healthcare organisation poses a major risk to patient safety. For example, a ransomware attack can lock access to medical records or disrupt vital systems which can delay treatment, misinform clinical decisions, and even lead to loss of life. This means that cyber attacks on the sector don’t just have operational and reputational costs, but risk patient’s welfare and our overall national security.

Addressing Healthcare Organisation’s Unique Cyber Security Challenges

Public Health Impact

Disruptions to a healthcare organisation’s systems can inhibit patient care, treatment delivery, and public safety.

Sensitive Data Handling

Given the scale and sensitivity of data handled by healthcare organisations, it is vital to secure it from unauthorised access, disclose and manipulation.

Legacy Systems and Outdated Infrastructure

Many hospitals and providers still rely on outdated IT systems that were never designed to face modern cyber threats. These systems may lack the ability to be patched, monitored, or integrated securely with newer platforms.

Third-Party Risks

Healthcare ecosystems depend heavily on third-party providers — from diagnostic labs to cloud-hosted patient portals. Each third-party integration introduces potential vulnerabilities and requires rigorous oversight.

Service Availability

Healthcare environments cannot afford downtime. Any disruption in service can compromise patient care, making ransomware especially appealing to attackers who know that organisations may be more likely to pay a ransom quickly. Minimising downtime for healthcare services is essential to effective healthcare as disruptions and delays can prevent the delivery of life-saving services.

Compliance Frameworks

Healthcare organisations in the UK must meet a range of regulatory requirements designed to ensure the safety, integrity, and confidentiality of patient data, these include Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) now adopted by the NHS and aligned with NCSC guidance. Also, the UK Cyber Resilience Act, this upcoming legislation is set to further enhance the legal framework for cyber security, introducing stricter obligations for organisations providing essential services — including healthcare — to improve preparedness, report incidents, and secure digital infrastructure.

Patient Safety = Cyber Safety

There is a direct link between cyber resilience and patient wellbeing. When we talk about infection control and surgical hygiene, we expect hospitals to follow strict procedures to prevent harm. Cyber hygiene must be held to the same standard. Just as a contaminated instrument can spread infection, a compromised system can spread malware — both with dangerous consequences.

Good cyber hygiene practices include:

Regularly updating and patching systems
Controlling and monitoring user access
Enforcing strong password policies
Securing endpoints and connected devices
Running regular phishing simulations and user training

Embedding cyber safety into clinical and operational workflows helps protect not only data but also the trust and safety of patients.

Building a Secure and Resilient Healthcare Environment

A proactive and layered cyber security approach should be integral to every healthcare organisation’s strategy. This includes:

Conducting regular risk assessments and audits
Implementing zero trust architectures
Developing robust incident response and recovery plans
Collaborating with cyber security experts who understand the healthcare landscape

Investing in cyber security is ultimately an investment in patient care. Because in the digital age, you can’t have patient safety without cyber safety.

Our cyber security and managed security services have helped many of the UK's major healthcare organisations increase cyber resilience and defend themselves from cyber threats.