NHS Digital to roll out new CareCERT cyber security services

NHS Digital is to start rolling out its expanded portfolio of CareCERT cyber security services across health and social care.

The Care Computer Emergency Response Team, launched in November last year, is a national service from NHS Digital that helps health and care organisations to improve their cyber security defences by providing advice and guidance about digital threats and cyber security best practice.

CareCERT currently sends out broadcasts about known cyber threats, and will now be expanded to include three new services, which will start being tested from September.

The first is an e-learning portal called CareCERT Knowledge to help all health and care organisations train their staff in cyber security basics.

The second n isCareCERT Assure, which will help organisations assess their local cyber security measures against industry standards, and provide recommendations on how organisations can improve data security measures and reduce vulnerabilities.

The third service, CareCERT React, is designed to help organisations respond to an incident.  React will provide provide professional guidance and advice on the actions to take to reduce the impact of a data security incident.  The aim is to help minimise the impact and help organisations recover and restore security as soon as possible.

NHS Digital says it will begin testing of CareCERT React and CareCERT Assure assessments in the autumn and open pre-registration of users to the new e-learning service.

The new suite of CareCert services was launched at last week’s Health and Care Innovation Expo by innovation minister Nicola Blackwood.

Blackwood said: “NHS Digital’s CareCERT service will help over 1.3 million NHS staff and those working in care staff boost their awareness and knowledge, as well as helping organisations improve their defences and keep valuable patient information secure.
 
“If the worst should happen, the service will also help organisations respond as quickly as possible."  
 
NHS Digital chief executive Andy Williams said: “The security of health information is key to our organisation, and our new CareCERT services will help us to improve digital security across health and care organisations, from frontline doctors and nurses to chief executives.

“Good digital security is key to all roles in health and care, and we want to give NHS organisations the benefit of our expertise in this area, so that we can promote best practice across the sector.”