How Network Segmentation Helps Deliver Resilience Against NHS Cyber Threats

The evolving landscape of technology in the UK’s health and social care sector is already reshaping patient care, and emerging systems continue to bring more opportunities for organisations. Current trends and rapid technology adoption were largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic that forced many healthcare providers to shift towards tele-communication and remote monitoring methods for diagnosis, observation, and continuity of care. All four home nations across the UK have agreed to drive digitalisation of systems even further, establishing individual digital strategies and delivery plans on local and nationwide levels.

The downside of such progress is the continual cyber threats that target the sector. With the rapid development of digital technology, cyber criminals continue to innovate their tactics, putting sensitive patient data at risk. Despite organisations adopting better cyber hygiene, it was recently recorded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology that 50% of businesses in the UK experienced cyberattacks in 2023. The UK’s Health and Social Care system - a large sector comprised of lots of people and devices, is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, as shown by the WannaCry and Conti cyberattacks. It is therefore crucial that IT systems specialists take the necessary action to address security fundamentals.