Survey reveals fears about cyber-attacks in the NHS

Health professionals are concerned about cyber security within their organisations with many fearing increased attacks in coming years, research reveals.

A 500-strong survey found 98% of respondents were concerned about sharing patient data on smartphones and meeting paperless deadlines.

Some 70% expressed doubts that confidential patient data could be shared securely, while 84% said they feared cyber-attacks were going to get worse.

Earlier this month health secretary Jeremy Hunt called for the NHS to better reflect the 'era of the smartphone'.

Lack of confidence

Yet 80% lacked confidence the NHS would meet its pledge to be paperless by 2020, according to the poll of delegates set to attend the UK Health Show technology event in London on 28 September.

Event director Alexander Rushton said: ‘Technology will play a big role in shaping the future of the NHS and the way patients access services.

‘Delegates responding to the surveys have shown overwhelming confidence in the transformational power of data and technology, but have also revealed areas requiring immediate attention for this to happen.’

New security services

Public health and innovation minister Nicola Blackwood earlier this month announced new cyber security services to boost knowledge and awareness of cyber-attacks among frontline staff.

The Care Computing Emergency Response Team, run by NHS Digital, is testing an e-learning service for staff, as well as an advice service for organisations on keeping information secure, and support on what to do in the event of a cyber-attack.