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NHS England has recently announced plans to create a new Cyber Risk Rating Platform, marking an important step forward in improving the cybersecurity of NHS providers across the UK. This platform aims to help NHS organisations better understand their cybersecurity risks and improve their ability to manage threats that could affect patient safety, data privacy, and the continuity of healthcare services.
For digital health organisations—those providing software, data services, patient communication tools, and telemedicine solutions—this initiative is a sign of the NHS’s growing emphasis on cybersecurity. With the tender process for this platform due to start soon, digital health providers should prepare to align with stricter security standards and expectations, which will have both immediate and long-term impacts on the healthcare sector.
NHS England is currently in the “market engagement” stage for this new Cyber Risk Rating Platform. The platform will give NHS providers a clearer view of their cybersecurity risks and a structured way to manage them, helping to avoid potential vulnerabilities that could affect patient care or disrupt services. To support this, NHS England will hold a webinar for suppliers on 26th November, allowing providers to learn more about the project’s goals and timelines.
Once in place, this platform will enable NHS trusts to assess their cybersecurity stance against a unified standard, making it easier to pinpoint weaknesses, prioritise improvements, and prepare for emerging cyber threats.
As NHS providers adopt this new framework, digital health companies will need to align their practices with the NHS’s cybersecurity priorities. Here are some ways this will impact digital health organisations:
The platform signifies NHS England’s intention to hold healthcare providers to stricter cybersecurity standards. For digital health companies who partner with the NHS, this means re-evaluating their own cybersecurity measures to ensure they meet these evolving standards. Moving forward, having a secure product will not just be a competitive advantage but a baseline requirement.
NHS England’s emphasis on cyber risk assessment indicates that suppliers may face more scrutiny and compliance checks to verify that their systems meet NHS cybersecurity expectations. This will likely mean more frequent audits, reviews, and stricter adherence to security guidelines. Digital health organisations should prepare for these increased demands by proactively implementing strong security measures and being ready to demonstrate compliance.
The new rating platform will increase visibility into cybersecurity performance, making it easier for NHS providers to evaluate potential risks associated with their suppliers. This transparency will place greater accountability on digital health companies to maintain security standards, which will likely become part of regular vendor assessments. Organisations must be prepared for this increased level of visibility by strengthening their security measures and addressing any areas of vulnerability.
Cyber threats to healthcare are becoming more sophisticated, as demonstrated by the recent Trinity Ransomware attacks, which targeted hospitals and held systems “hostage.” By implementing a structured cybersecurity framework, NHS England aims to stay ahead of these threats and minimise the risk of similar incidents. Digital health organisations must also invest in proactive defences and align with NHS cybersecurity frameworks to avoid becoming weak links in the supply chain.
As NHS providers move to this new cyber risk platform, security will increasingly differentiate providers. Those who proactively meet the NHS’s security expectations will be well-positioned as reliable and trusted partners, giving them an edge in the market. For digital health companies, investing in cybersecurity and aligning with NHS standards will not only improve their security posture but will also enhance their reputation and competitive standing.
To adapt to the changes brought by the NHS Cyber Risk Rating Platform, digital health organisations can consider the following steps:
NHS England’s Cyber Risk Rating Platform is an essential move towards a safer, more resilient healthcare system. For digital health organisations, this platform presents an opportunity to demonstrate security maturity, accountability, and commitment to safeguarding patient data and services. By aligning with NHS security frameworks, digital health providers not only protect their own operations but also contribute to the overall safety of healthcare in the UK.
This new cybersecurity focus by NHS England is a clear reminder that in the healthcare industry, protecting data is as vital as protecting patient health. For digital health organisations, responding to this call for robust cybersecurity is not just a smart business move—it’s essential.
Contact us today to find out more or book a free 30-minute strategy call. Let’s discuss how we can help you assess your suppliers’ cyber security and reduce your risk.
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