Radar Healthcare: How to navigate cyber-risk in healthcare

Mark Harris, IT Manager, Radar Healthcare gives his perspective on the challenges facing the healthcare sector and how the company is navigating them.

The NHS’s digital transformation is driving better patient outcomes and streamlined services. From reducing admin burdens to enabling data-driven decisions, technology is reshaping care delivery.

But with progress comes risk. Cyber-threats are increasing, posing serious challenges to patient safety and operational stability.  

As one of the UK’s most data-rich sectors, healthcare is a prime target for cyber-criminals. Attacks go beyond financial damage – they delay treatments, compromise sensitive data and can harm patients. 

Cyber-risk in healthcare: A growing concern 

As the UK’s largest employer and a critical public service, the NHS faces an increasingly complex cybersecurity challenge.

In 2022 alone, more than 1,400 cyber-incidents were reported – many involving phishing, malware or ransomware.

The impact of the 2017 ransomware attack, which disrupted services nationwide and cost £92m, still serves as a reminder of the sector’s vulnerability. 

Since then, threats have only grown more sophisticated. Cyber-criminals are now leveraging AI and advanced social engineering techniques, making traditional defences less effective.

With healthcare data rich in personal, financial and clinical information, it remains a prime target on the dark web. 

A separate high-profile breach affecting a healthcare software provider exposed the data of over 80,000 individuals and resulted in a £3m penalty from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Disturbingly, entry details for vulnerable patients’ homes were among the compromised information. 

Within the healthcare sector, the most damaging cyber-attacks are those that disrupt care. This became clear during a 2023 ransomware incident, which led to the cancellation of more than 16,000 appointments and operations.

Several cases of patient harm were reported and the financial impact exceeded £35m. The message is clear: The healthcare sector must act collectively to strengthen cyber-resilience – protecting systems, staff and, ultimately, patient care. 

Building stronger defences 

Effective cybersecurity in healthcare depends on three core areas: People, policy, planning. Radar Healthcare helps providers manage risk, quality and compliance.

As a company that handles sensitive data for health and social care providers on a daily basis, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding this information.

Here’s some ways in which we ensure strong cybersecurity: 

• Solid risk framework – a well-defined risk framework is key, supported by tools for tracking incidents and maintaining regulatory compliance 

• Clear cyber-response plan – a comprehensive response plan is critical. Everyone should understand how to contain threats, who to contact and how to communicate during an incident. Plans must be well-documented, regularly tested and easily accessible 

• Staff training – human error is a major entry point for cyber-attacks, especially phishing emails. Ongoing training, simulations and real-world scenarios help foster a culture of awareness and accountability 

• Annual refreshers and policies – annual refreshers on cybersecurity best practices, including password management, browsing safety and data handling, ensure all staff – from clinicians to administrative personnel – stay informed and vigilant 

• Internal audits – cybersecurity must be proactive. Regular audits, penetration testing, infrastructure upgrades and access reviews all help identify and address vulnerabilities. We conduct annual audits at Radar Healthcare and embed cybersecurity into every team member’s responsibility. Everyone plays a role in maintaining resilience 

• Dedicated digital team – our specialised digital team is constantly monitoring, improving and updating our cybersecurity measures. This team ensures we stay ahead of emerging threats and provide timely support to our clients in managing risks effectively. If this is not possible within your team, looking for a good IT partner for support is worthwhile 

Planning for when, not if 

Even with the best cybersecurity defences in place, no system is completely immune to a breach. What truly matters is how quickly and effectively an organisation can respond when one happens. 

At Radar Healthcare, we take a proactive approach: Any logged incident triggers immediate alerts to the necessary team members.

Our response protocols – tailored to the specific type of threat – are then deployed rapidly to contain the risk, mitigate damage and notify key stakeholders. 

Equally important is ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Data breaches involving sensitive patient information must be reported promptly to meet statutory requirements.

A comprehensive, well-documented response plan not only helps us navigate compliance but also ensures a faster recovery, reducing disruption to services. 

For smaller healthcare providers without in-house IT expertise, relying on trusted third-party IT support can be critical.

The right partner provides not only day-to-day technical assistance but also crucial guidance during high-pressure emergency situations, ensuring your organisation is always prepared for a breach – no matter the size. 

Managing third-party risk 

In healthcare, organisations rely heavily on a network of external partners, ranging from software providers to service vendors.

While these partnerships are essential for efficient operations, each one also represents a potential security risk. 

That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly assess and verify the security credentials of all third-party providers. Certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001 and HIPAA compliance are key indicators that a provider meets rigorous cybersecurity standards.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining robust security practices. 

At Radar Healthcare, we recognise the importance of these partnerships and ensure that all our external providers meet these high standards.

We hold several of these accreditations ourselves, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to data security and the protection of our clients’ information. 

Cybersecurity is patient safety 

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern – it’s integral to delivering safe, uninterrupted care. It builds trust, protects services and safeguards patients. 

As digital transformation continues, it’s crucial that security evolves alongside it. Ensuring robust protection isn’t just about securing systems; it’s about securing the future of patient care. 

Ready to strengthen your healthcare cybersecurity? Discover how Radar Healthcare can help safeguard your systems, improve compliance and improve patient safety.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our innovative solutions. 

To find out more information, visit: www.radarhealthcare.com