Cybercrime is a growing threat in every industry in 2025, particularly in healthcare. As a result of this, it is vital that NHS suppliers understand the threat of cybercrime and know what steps they can take to protect themselves. This post will look at the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for NHS suppliers in light of recent cyber threats and regulatory changes.Â
The Growing Cyber Threat to Healthcare
There is an increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting healthcare providers and their suppliers, which poses a serious threat in many ways. Attacks can lead to disruptions in the delivery of healthcare, which, of course, is a huge concern, plus attacks like ransomware can lead to the leaking of highly sensitive patient data. There has been a rise in cyberattacks on UK healthcare institutions and NHS suppliers in recent years, so there is a need for heightened cybersecurity awareness.Â
Regulatory Pressures & Compliance
There are also regulatory pressures that affect healthcare providers and suppliers. This includes the UK’s Cyber Security & Resilience Bill, which requires strict cybersecurity standards for suppliers to the public sector. Additionally, the NIS2 Directive and UK-GDPR impose obligations in key areas like data protection, incident response, and reporting. No compliance with these regulations can lead to fines, disqualification, and reputation damage while also creating cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Financial & Operational Risks
Cyber incidents can lead to financial losses and operational disruptions for NHS suppliers. A cyber attack could harm your bottom line but also affect critical NHS services, which is why cybersecurity must be a top priority for NHS suppliers. In 2024, the average cost of a data breach in the UK was £3.58 million.
Best Practices for Strengthening Cyber Defences
There are a few actionable steps that NHS suppliers can take to enhance their cybersecurity posture. These include keeping software up to date, requiring strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and providing regular security training for staff. It is also worth adopting frameworks like Cyber Essentials and Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) to bolster security measures.Â
The Role of Cybersecurity in Patient Trust
In terms of healthcare, there is nothing more important than patient trust. People are becoming increasingly aware of the threat of cybercrime, particularly in relation to healthcare and the risk of their patient data being stolen. Therefore, robust cybersecurity practices are essential for safeguarding data but also enhancing patient trust.Â
Cyber attacks are on the rise, and healthcare is heavily targeted by criminals looking to steal patient data and disrupt operations. This is a serious and growing issue that NHS suppliers need to be aware of, particularly as attacks can lead to significant financial losses. NHS suppliers must make cybersecurity a top priority and take steps to protect their business operations, patient data, and bottom line. The advice in this post should be informative and help you take proactive steps to protect your business, the NHS, and patients.