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 2017 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 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
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
We know cyber attacks are a growing threat, so it is
vital our health and care organisations have secure
systems which patients trust.
We have been building the capability of NHS systems
over a number of years, but there is always more to
do to future-proof our 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.
