NHS must take urgent steps to defend against hackers, says White Paper

The NHS remains vulnerable to cyber-attack, and must take urgent steps to defend against threats which could risk the safety of patients. This is the finding of a new White Paper on NHS Cyber Security presented at the House of Lords. For the safety of patients, it is critical to ensure that the data, devices and systems that uphold our NHS and therefore our nation's health are secure. Professor the Lord Ara Darzi Co-Director, Institute of Global Health Innovation The report, written by researchers from Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation led by Professor the Lord Ara Darzi , suggests a combination of out-dated computer systems, lack of investment, and a deficit of skills and awareness in cyber security is placing NHS hospitals at risk. A cyber-attack on a hospital's computer system can leave medical staff unable to access important patient details - such as blood test results or X-rays, meaning they are unable to offer appropriate and timely care. It can also prevent life-saving medical equipment or devices from working properly, and in some cases lead to patient data being stolen. Global issue.