HOSPITALS
“ Reducing the vulnerability of healthcare organisations to cyber-attacks must take a multi-angled approach ”
SEAN TICKLE HEAD OF CYBERGUARD , CYBERGUARD TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED security measures . With responsibility for implementing cyber security down to each NHS trust , BCHC intended to recruit its own cyber specialists , but a nationwide skills shortage and high salaries meant that it was financially constrained in doing so .
After reaching out to NHS trusts in the region , CyberGuard was engaged by BCHC to assist it in strengthening cybersecurity . The managed security service provider ran a proof of concept for a number of weeks , which enabled BCHC managers to see the security service in action and rigorously test it in situ , before committing themselves . At the same time , a Critical Incident Response Service enabled the investigation of , reaction to and remediation of any threats at source .
Soon afterwards , CyberGuard expanded the scope of the Security Information and Event Management system , to transform communication with the Trust ’ s existing security products that were active but had not been monitored . This provided a clear picture of any threats and possible attack vectors . Next a CREST-approved internal and external penetration test on both the standard internet line and the Trust ’ s HSCN connectivity was carried out , which identified specific flaws and weaknesses .
“ Previously , when completing the Trust ’ s DSPT ( Data Security and Protection Toolkit ) submission , it was a challenge to tick all of the boxes regarding cyber security ,” said Gerard Kilgallon , BCHC ’ s Head of IT . “ Now , the department works well within the spirit of the DSPT and I can confidently assert we ’ re meeting the criteria , thanks to our CyberGuard partnership . One of the main things for me is a team of highly skilled people at our disposal , a true extension to our team . We even have a WhatsApp group for making urgent contact in the event of an incident . It ’ s very reassuring at a time when the growth in cybercrime is prolific .” healthcareglobal . com 31