An abstract 3D render of a microprocessor on a circuit board with many electrical components installed. The central microprocessor has an integrated security lock in glowing yellow color. Components are labelled with random serial numbers, with many connections glowing in yellow color too.

The new multi-million pound Microsoft package will ensure NHS systems have the most up-to-date software with the latest security settings says the Government.

Since 2017 the government has invested £60 million to address cyber security weaknesses.

A further £150 million will be spent over the next 3 years to improve the NHS’s resilience against attacks.

This will include setting up a new digital security operations centre to prevent, detect and respond to incidents.

Other measures will include &21 million to upgrade firewalls and network infrastructure at major trauma centre hospitals and ambulance trust as well as £39 million spent by NHS trusts to address infrastructure weaknesse

There will be new powers given to the Care Quality Commission to inspect NHS trusts on their cyber and data security capabilitie and a data security and protection toolkit which requires health and care organisations to meet 10 security standard

A text messaging alert system will be introduced to ensure trusts have access to accurate information – even when internet and email services are down, Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

We know cyber attacks are a growing threat, so it is vital our health and care organisations have secure systems which patients trust.

We have been building the capability of NHS systems over a number of years, but there is always more to do to future-proof our NHS against this threat.

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