Private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk?

Concerns have been raised about private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk. We see NHS data breach claims all the time, so we can tell you from first-hand experience just how bad the impact can be for the victims, and that’s why this is an important subject to look at.

As the NHS continues to struggle under considerable financial constraints and budget cuts, outsourcing cybersecurity could look like an attractive option. But there has to be specialists in the NHS who understand the nature of the risks being faced, and too much outsourcing can do more harm than good.

There’s a reason that a huge proportion of the cases that we take forward involve the healthcare sector. They are a clear target for criminals, and the nature of medical data being so personal and sensitive can have a far greater impact on the victim.

Why is there a worry about this?

It may be that private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk could increase the pressures on our health service who may have to deal with the fallout when things go wrong.

The NHS are still responsible for safeguarding the data that they choose to allow third-party private companies to have a hand in storing and processing it; and protecting it. If these entities are putting that data at risk, it’s the NHS who may still have to deal with any legal action that victims can rightfully bring when their personal and sensitive medical data is misused or exposed.

How are private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk?

Private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk can arise with too much outsourcing, and too little knowledge within.

It can be a risky business to outsource something as important as data security. At the same time, NHS employees will still be dealing with data every day, and they still need proper training and guidance to ensure breaches don’t occur.

This isn’t just any old data. This is medical data, and that’s usually the most personal and sensitive form of data that there is.

Who’s ultimately responsible?

Even if private cybersecurity firms putting the NHS at risk is a problem, the NHS are still legally responsible for the data that they process and store.

When it comes to victims who need to make a claim for data breach compensation, your case may still be against the NHS, even if a private third-party is involved.