Health and social care cyber threats: are we prepared?
4 minute read
Andy Williams
March 4th, 2025
Andy Williams, a highly accomplished digital leader with extensive experience in driving large-scale digital transformation programmes across the NHS, joins us for a guest blog to explore the rise of widespread cyber attacks in the UK healthcare sector.
“Cyber attacks are not a possibility—they are an inevitability. The NHS has already faced significant cyber incidents, with real-world consequences for patient safety and operational stability. For instance, ransomware attacks have led to cancelled appointments, delayed treatments, and significant financial losses. In one incident, an NHS Trust experienced a major system outage, forcing clinicians to revert to paper-based records, increasing the risk of medication errors and delayed interventions. Another attack targeted supplier systems, disrupting access to critical patient data across multiple hospitals. These scenarios highlight the urgent need for proactive defences and a clear strategy to mitigate future risks.
The pandemic demonstrated the necessity of rapid crisis response, yet the healthcare sector was found to be ill-prepared in many areas, as highlighted by the COVID-19 inquiry. Similarly, cyber threats demand a level of preparedness that many organisations are still developing. The lessons from past cyber incidents must serve as a wake-up call to prioritise robust cyber security measures across the NHS.
So what can we do? The three key areas that need focus
Experienced people
Investing in a skilled workforce is crucial. NHS Trusts should appoint dedicated cyber security professionals who can proactively identify vulnerabilities. Experienced specialists may come at a premium, but failing to invest in expertise can prove far costlier in the event of an attack. Additionally, collaboration across Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) can enable shared cyber security resources and expertise, strengthening resilience across local health economies.
Good processes
The NHS must establish comprehensive response playbooks that outline strategies for handling different cyber attack scenarios. Regular cyber drills and simulations will help test these processes and identify weaknesses. NHS England’s focus on cyber resilience has driven the adoption of improved security frameworks, with many Trusts already benefiting from shared learning and guidance on best practices.
Technological solutions
Implementing robust security measures like as timely software patching, network segmentation, and zero-trust architecture remains essential. NHS organisations must also adhere to cyber security standards, such as the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), which sets out mandatory requirements to protect patient data. However, compliance alone is not enough, Trusts need to actively enhance their cyber security posture by leveraging new technologies and continuously monitoring emerging threats.
Understanding the risks of AI and emerging technologies
While artificial intelligence (AI) presents exciting opportunities in healthcare, it also introduces new vulnerabilities if not properly governed. The rapid deployment of AI without sufficient oversight could expose NHS systems to cyber threats, such as adversarial AI attacks and data poisoning. To mitigate these risks, robust governance frameworks must be implemented to assess AI security before integration into clinical workflows. Ensuring that AI systems align with NHS cyber security policies and risk management frameworks will be key to their safe adoption.
The role of NHS England and technology partners
NHS England is actively supporting Trusts by strengthening national cyber security initiatives, including centralised threat intelligence, incident response support, and funding for cyber resilience projects. The transition to ICBs presents an opportunity to build a more coordinated approach to cybersecurity, fostering cross-organisational collaboration and resource-sharing.
In addition to NHS-led initiatives, IT partners with cyber security experience play a vital role in enhancing NHS cyber defences. By working with industry-leading cyber security firms, Trusts can benefit from advanced threat detection, penetration testing, and real-time incident response support. These partnerships ensure that NHS organisations remain one step ahead of cyber threats.”
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About the author
Andy is a highly accomplished digital leader with extensive experience in driving large-scale digital transformation programmes across the NHS. With a deep understanding of regional and local healthcare systems, Andy has held pivotal roles in organisations across Humber and Yorkshire, contributing to the successful delivery of digital strategies and infrastructure improvements that directly enhance patient care.