NHS cyber breach advice

There are still so many worries when it comes to another NHS cyber breach event like we saw with the 2017 WannaCry incident that crippled many parts of our healthcare service.

Last week, we covered the most recent study that was focused on ongoing vulnerabilities and whether we’re set to see another huge event that could affect millions of people in the UK. And a lot of the worries stem from the simple fact that there’s not always enough funding in place for proper cybersecurity. In fact, cost-cutting can subsequently lead to even greater vulnerabilities.

We can’t change the fact that vulnerabilities may not be the focus for the government. But what we can do is make sure that victims of an NHS cyber breach can access the legal help and representation they need.

The healthcare sector is a target

The reason why we’re so worried about another huge NHS cyber breach incident is because we know that the healthcare sector is a huge target for criminals.

As well as the UK’s WannaCry event, there have been a number of attacks worldwide, including many in the U.S. and a recent Swedish one. We doubt that the trends will change, it’s likely that the NHS will remain a huge target for attacks.

Why is this? It all comes down to the nature of the data that they hold.

Medical data is, ultimately, very valuable because it’s incredibly personal and sensitive. Leaked and exposed medical data can cause the most distress to victims because it’s generally information that we want to keep private. So, when criminals can get their hands on it, they may a huge bargaining chip to try and bribe money out of healthcare organisations.

How common are these cases?

We can tell you from experience that medical data breach compensation claims are incredibly common. One of the most common types of individual claims we take forward, in fact.

The threat of GDPR and the heavy financial fines that the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can impose should be a big enough deterrent for lapsing on cybersecurity. Previous incidents should also be taken as lessons that must be learnt. With the huge target on the healthcare sector, it’s imperative that proper funding is in place for cybersecurity within the NHS.

Ultimately, you cannot compromise on cybersecurity. If you do, expect to be compromised.

Claiming compensation for an NHS cyber breach incident

It’s important for the victims of a data incident to know that they have rights as well. You can be entitled to make a claim for NHS data breach compensation if your personal and sensitive information has ben misused or exposed.

You can read more about medical data claims on our advice pages here.

No Win, No Fee British Airways compensation claim

Cyber-attack compensation claims advice