A roundtable discussion with NHS IT and security professionals revealed that the NHS faces a severe cultural problem regarding cybersecurity, not just a funding issue. The article in The Register highlights a disconnect between clinical decisions and cybersecurity considerations, leading to inadequate security choices. While increased funding might offer some relief, it is not a "silver bullet" for the NHS's security woes.
The discussion underscored the need for a cultural shift, advocating for the NHS to adopt a model similar to the finance industry's approach to cybersecurity. The shift could involve holding board members personally liable for cybersecurity failures, a practice that is gaining traction in the private sector. Participants believe this would incentivise better security practices and reduce incidents.
The article also addresses the proposed public sector ransomware payment ban, which would leave hospitals reliant on backups that may be compromised or outdated. NHS Digital insiders suggest that personal liability for board members, similar to regulations in the financial sector, would drive greater accountability and investment in cyber resilience.
In addition, the NHS's budgeting practices and lack of a top-down security culture are identified as significant inhibitors to long-term progress. The article argues that a comprehensive approach, encompassing cultural change, financial investment, and accountability measures, is necessary to improve the NHS's cybersecurity posture. The UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB), discussed in the article, may introduce personal liability provisions and is expected to advance later this year.
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