Protective technologies
While the importance of collaboration and partnerships in managing staff awareness and cyber risks was emphasized, the experts also addressed the necessity of implementing protective technologies such as Microsoft Defender and similar security tools.
These solutions provide much-needed visibility into IT infrastructure, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent threats from escalating, said O’Keeffe, who pointed out the Cyber Associates Network as an invaluable resource for problem sharing and solving. That collaboration also extends to suppliers, partners and vendors and can lead to greater accountability while leveraging their specialized expertise to enhance cybersecurity measures.
Offering an external perspective, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Programme Delivery for Digital Care Hub, observed that organisations often cite limited resources as a barrier to addressing cybersecurity issues. ‘It is often siloed solutions but the same threat actors are targeting the same groups in the same way, so there are economies of scale here to share across the system of when and where it is happening.’
While concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) were discussed, panellists characterized it as an “emerging technology” that should be approached similarly to other innovations like smartphones or social media, noting that AI is also being deployed defensively in cybersecurity applications.
Profiles:
Nasser Arif is Cyber Security Manager with London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a cyber security professional with an interest in transformation, wellbeing and the human element of cyber security.
Catherine O’Keeffe is the Deputy Director of Cyber Operations (Delivery) & Head of the Cyber Profession within the Cyber Operations Team at NHS England and has a wealth of experience in clinical practice, IT, Information Governance and Cyber Security, having worked in the NHS for over 35 years.
Daniel Hallen is the Director of Data & Digital (CIO) at East Lancashire Hospitals, and with a background in digital programme leadership and transformation, has worked in the NHS, local government, and the private sector.
Mohammad Waqas is CTO Healthcare at Armis with an interest in cyber security and IT/Digital Leadership.
Daniel O’Shaughnessy is the Head of Programme Delivery for Digital Care Hub’s Better Security, Better Care Programme – a nationwide programme that supports the Adult Social Care sector with data protection and cyber security.
