Uncovered Deficiency in Cybersecurity Protection within the NHS Through Freedom of Information Request
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS) in England is making strides towards a paperless future. However, as more NHS Trusts adopt smart technology, concerns about cybersecurity are growing.
A recent analysis reveals that patient data is considered more valuable to hackers than financial details when sold on the black market. This fact underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures within the NHS. Yet, the rate of data breaches is alarming, and a cybersecurity mindset is not widely ingrained at every level of the NHS Trusts.
The current cybersecurity training programs for NHS Trust employees in England include commissioned specialist training through the SANS Institute, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity expertise. These courses offer industry-recognized technical courses and certifications, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. Additionally, NHS England and associated bodies use a statutory and mandatory training framework aligned with the UK Core Skills Training Framework, which covers cybersecurity awareness among other essential topics.
However, specific training modules focused on the secure use of smartphones and tablets for organizational data protection are not detailed in these sources. This could potentially be a gap in the training programs, considering that with the increasing use of wearable devices, employees are becoming a potential weak link in the security ecosystem.
The NHS's reliance on legacy systems, fragmented IT environments, and the need for cost-effective cybersecurity tools are acknowledged by NHS cybersecurity experts. While staff face ongoing cyber threats, the training and operational support aim to address these risks system-wide, including data protection requirements for mobile devices used by staff.
Despite the efforts, only 53% of NHS Trusts currently provide a secure, enterprise-grade application for the sharing of patient data. This figure is concerning, especially considering that many data breaches are caused by accidental insider leaks or lost or stolen devices. With 92% of NHS Trusts planning to incorporate smartphones, tablets, or applications for shared content by 2018 as part of the NHS's paperless initiative, this figure must change to prevent further cyber attacks.
Four out of five NHS Trusts supply their staff with a smartphone or tablet in some capacity. Yet, an equal number of NHS Trusts have limited or no training programs for safeguarding organizational information on these devices. Yorgen Edholm, CEO and president at Accellion, emphasizes the need for proper management of the integration of smartphones into the UK health service due to the high rate of data breaches caused by human error.
In conclusion, while the NHS is making strides in digital healthcare, cybersecurity remains a significant concern. The current training programs offer a foundation for cybersecurity expertise, but specific training on the secure use of smartphones and tablets for organizational data protection could be a potential area for enhancement. As the uptake in smart technology continues, it is crucial that the NHS addresses these gaps to ensure the protection of patient data.
Science and technology have played significant roles in the digital transformation of the National Health Service (NHS) in England, enabling a transition towards a paperless future. However, this shift also raises concerns about medical-conditions data security, given the potential value of this information to hackers. While cybersecurity training programs exist for NHS Trust employees, there seems to be a gap in specific training on secure smartphone and tablet usage for data protection. It is important to address this issue to ensure that the integration of these devices does not lead to vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats.
