The Heightened Cyber Attack Threat on the NHS

Cyber-attacks on the NHS affected over 800 planned operations and 700 outpatient appointments were rearranged in the first week after a cyber-attack hit London hospitals, in June 2024. 18 donated organs were diverted for use at other trusts (BBC). This has heightened the need to improve cyber security nationwide in the public sector.

The UK healthcare system has faced significant challenges in recent years regarding cyber security, with a notable increase in ransomware attacks and other cyber threats. Recent reports indicate that 81% of UK healthcare providers experienced ransomware attacks in 2022, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the system.

Increasing Cyber Threats

Ransomware attacks have become a major threat to the UK’s healthcare sector. In 2022, a staggering 81% of healthcare providers were hit by such attacks (Health Care Professional). These incidents often disrupt critical services, jeopardize patient safety, and compromise sensitive data. The nature of these attacks highlights the pressing need for robust cyber security measures across the healthcare system.

Government Response and Strategies

In response to these growing threats, the UK government has implemented several strategies aimed at bolstering cyber security within the health and social care sector. The “Cyber Security Strategy for Health and Adult Social Care” set forth by the Department of Health and Social Care in March 2023 outlines a comprehensive plan to achieve cyber resilience by 2030. This strategy is built around five key pillars:

1. Focusing on the Greatest Risks and Harms: Prioritizing areas where cyber incidents could cause the most significant disruption and harm.
2. Defending as One: Leveraging national resources and expertise to create a unified defence mechanism across the sector.
3. People and Culture: Engaging leadership and enhancing the cyber security workforce, including training the general workforce in basic cyber security practices.
4. Building Secure for the Future: Embedding security measures into emerging technologies to protect against future threats.
5. Exemplary Response and Recovery: Ensuring swift recovery from cyber incidents to minimize impact and restore services promptly.

The strategy emphasizes collaboration across the entire health and social care system, including NHS primary and secondary care organizations, adult social care providers, and independent suppliers. By fostering a collective approach, the strategy aims to build a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding and recovering from cyber-attacks​ (GOV.UK)​​ (GOV.UK)​.

National Risk Register Insights

The National Risk Register 2023 provides a broader context for understanding the cyber threats facing the UK’s healthcare system. It highlights the increasing likelihood and impact of cyber-attacks, not just on healthcare but across various critical sectors. The document emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in cyber resilience to ensure that the health and social care system can maintain its operations and safeguard patient data even in the face of sophisticated cyber threats​ (GOV.UK)​.

Progress and Future Directions

Since the infamous WannaCry attack in 2017, the NHS has made significant strides in enhancing its cyber defences. NHS trusts now benefit from real-time protection through the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), which monitors approximately 1.7 million devices and blocks millions of malicious emails each month. These advancements have markedly improved the sector’s ability to detect and respond to cyber threats.

Moving forward, the implementation plan set to be published in the summer of 2023 will further detail the activities and metrics to be used in building and measuring cyber resilience over the next few years. This will include enhancing the capabilities of national cyber security teams and updating critical tools such as the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) to empower organizations in managing their cyber risks effectively​ (GOV.UK)​​ (GOV.UK)​.

In conclusion, while the UK healthcare system has made notable progress in addressing cyber security challenges, the threat landscape continues to evolve. Ongoing efforts to implement and refine strategic measures will be crucial in ensuring that the sector remains resilient against future cyber threats, thereby protecting both patient data and the integrity of healthcare services.

Discover our Public Sector Cyber Security Conference

Join us at The Public Sector Cyber Security Conference 2025 to receive the latest updates on the threat landscape. Discover the strategies and tactics required to successfully defend your organisation against attacks. Share experiences with your peers around the UK. Find the partners and solution providers you need to meet your challenges and stay secure.