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IT support for hospices

Why Do So Many Healthcare Organisations Run Legacy Systems?

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As a leading managed service provider offering IT support for hospices and healthcare organisations, we often find ourselves working with legacy systems. As digital workloads expand and the threat of cyber attacks grows stronger every day, this is obviously a worrying situation. Here’s a look at why this is the case, and what the risks are. 

Why is the healthcare sector dependent on legacy systems?

Despite the clear cybersecurity risks, there are several reasons why outdated systems persist in the healthcare industry:

Medical equipment dependency

The healthcare industry has a lot of ageing medical equipment, such as MRI scanners, patient monitors and blood analysers that rely on software that’s no longer supported. Replacing or upgrading these machines is often not a priority due to budget and time restraints, especially if they still function reliably. 

The need for uninterrupted care

Downtime is particularly challenging for the healthcare sector, because managing the disruption when services are required round the clock, and may have unpredictable peaks in demand, is obviously difficult.  Hospitals, hospices and clinics are patient-first environments, so IT upgrades are not high on the list of priorities. 

Budget constraints

The NHS is battling with overstretched budgets and rising demand, and financial resources tend to be directed at frontline care. Investment in IT systems tends to occur reactively after a major incident or security breach. 

That said, in June, the government announced as part of its Spending Review that it will be investing up to £10bn in NHS technology and digital transformation, “to bring our analogue health system into the digital age”. It will also include the launch of an NHS app to enable patients to manage their prescriptions, access services and more.

Furthermore, the investment will also be used to deliver “a single patient record, giving patients a unified view of their medical history and enabling two-way communication and active management of their healthcare”. Hopefully the investment will also address issues such as obsolete software and security vulnerabilities. 

Underresourced IT teams

Despite the fact that technology now underpins the modern healthcare service, IT teams are often understaffed and underresourced. This means that they often operate at a firefighting level, and routine but essential tasks such as security patching and risk management assessments are continually sidelined.

Furthermore, the NHS is a huge organisation, and there is considerable fragmentation of IT systems between different departments, specialisms and institutions. This means that IT teams often can’t work easily and securely across multiple sites, and clinical staff have to resort to analogue methods of transferring essential patient information. 

What are the dangers of legacy systems?

Running legacy systems doesn’t just mean putting up with sluggishness and inefficiencies: it leaves IT infrastructure dangerously exposed.

Unpatched vulnerabilities

Older software that no longer supports security updates are increasingly open to cyberattacks. Healthcare organisations are frequently targeted by cybercriminals, because of the huge amounts of sensitive information they hold. They are also viewed as more likely to pay ransom demands because of the intense pressure to keep systems running. 

For example, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack exploited a flaw in unpatched versions of Windows. It cost the NHS about £100m and led to thousands of cancelled appointments. 

Even if legacy systems are routinely patched, most cannot support the latest and most advanced security tools that are designed to offer full endpoint protection and proactively monitor for threats. 

Weak access control and encryption

Many older systems rely on passwords for login, which is becoming an increasingly outdated protection. Obsolete software typically cannot support multi-factor authentication or other modern methods of access control, leaving them more vulnerable to security breaches.  

Furthermore, it may not support current encryption protocols, leaving patient data or confidential communications vulnerable to hackers. 

How healthcare organisations can manage IT risks

Legacy systems compromise patient safety and can even put lives at risk. Security breaches damage reputation and patient trust, and also pose legal and financial risks if GDPR is breached. It is unrealistic that all legacy systems can be replaced overnight, or even within 12 months. However, there are sensible precautions that can be taken.

These include planning for Windows 10 end of life on 14 October 2025, when Microsoft will stop providing technical support or issuing security updates. Audits should be carried out to identify the most vulnerable systems and isolate them from wider networks. Systems that can’t be upgraded should be strictly access controlled for essential staff use only. 

Leeds based cyber security services

Moving Past Passwords: Effective Authentication Methods

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One of the key pieces of cyber security advice organisations still issue to their staff is to use a strong password and change it regularly. However, as cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale on a daily basis, traditional password based authentication systems are increasingly seen as the weakest link in cyber security. 

Cyber criminals exploit weaknesses such as the reuse of passwords across multiple accounts and systems; and using passwords that are obvious and easy to guess, such as 12345 or even just “password.” In fact, research shows that reusing passwords is responsible for over 80 per cent of online data breaches. 

Here’s a look at how our Leeds based cyber security services can help you identify the most effective modern authentication methods for your business.

Why is it important to start moving away from passwords?

Passwords are not just a security risk: they are a hindrance to users who need to devise and remember several passwords of suitable complexity across a range of accounts. Inevitably, staff passwords frequently get forgotten and require frequent resets, which is a burden for IT teams who have to spend hours dealing with basic admin rather than core tasks. 

For businesses who require customers to login with a password, they can lead to abandoned online shopping carts as incorrect password details are entered. Rather than wait for a reset or create a new account, many customers will simply look elsewhere for the product. 

Despite the drawbacks, password use remains widespread as it is cheap, straightforward and easy to carry out. However, they are a leading cause of data breaches as they can easily be stolen or guessed. Most people have reused a password or used a very simple one at some point for convenience, as we tend to have multiple accounts and devices. 

However, as the drawbacks and security risks of using passwords continue to grow, it’s time for businesses and organisations to move away from heavy reliance on them. 

Alternative authentication models

Here are some account set up options to offer for a more secure, modern and up to date approach to authentication. 

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), sometimes also referred to as two-step verification (2SV) or two-factor authentication (2FA) requires more than one authentication method. 

For example, it might involve combining a password with a PIN code sent securely by SMS or email, a link to another trusted device such as a mobile phone, or biometric details such as facial recognition or a fingerprint. 

MFA is much more secure than using a password alone. It’s also widely supported by software, apps and devices, and reasonably cost-effective to implement. It is important for businesses to offer customers a range of authentication options, as they will have different preferences and technologies.

However, MFA can be a deterrent if it is required for every single use. Therefore, it is most suitable for higher risk activities, such as adding credit or debit card details to an account, making transfers or purchases with large sums of money, or changing key details of the account, such as name or address. 

Single sign-on variants (SSO) are more suitable for widespread use in organisations and for customer-focused sites, as they just require MFA to be used on set up. 

Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication requires the use of data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scanning to verify identity. This is highly accurate and difficult to imitate, and is also a quick and easy to use method. However, it does require the storage of the user’s biometric data, which may raise privacy concerns.  It’s also dependent on compatible hardware. 

FIDO2/WebAuthn 

FIDO2 is a hardware-based authentication to create a passwordless standard that uses public-key cryptography with physical tokens or built-in platform authenticators (like Windows Hello or Face ID). It is often used if security is a critical issue, or the account users are particularly security conscious.

 

It means that no passwords are stored or transmitted for strong phishing resistance. This authentication method suits medium to large enterprises or data centre environments prioritising zero trust security. However, it might deter users who are not tech savvy or don’t own a smartphone. 

Risk-Based or Adaptive Authentication

This emerging method of authentication uses machine learning to assess login behaviour (e.g., time, device, location) and trigger additional verification only when behaviour seems risky. It’s convenient and quick, but may not yet be widely supported. 

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Who Invented Ransomware And Why Is It A Business Threat?

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All computer malware is potentially damaging to a business, either because it destroys, steals or disrupts access to data. This is why threat detection and security software are a fundamental part of many IT support packages.

Besides the potential legal ramifications of a data breach, which could potentially lead to gigantic fines and sanctions depending on the scale and nature of the breach.

Some virus attacks are indiscriminate and are based on self-selection with an approach similar to an advance-fee scam. 

However, as the general public becomes more aware of common malware attacks and the devices they use have some degree of protection pre-installed, malware has become more targeted with a focus on getting the greatest return.

The most clear example of this approach is ransomware, a type of malware attack where data is typically encrypted or access to a computer network is blocked unless the user pays a fee.

One of the most famous of these was WannaCry, which affected business and public sector organisations in 99 countries according to the BBC, including the National Health Service.

Much of this was found in the first-ever ransomware attack, which targeted researchers who were working on research into HIV/AIDS treatments, but also provided some universal lessons to help protect businesses.

The Malevolent Information Disk

The PC Cyborg Trojan (also known as AIDS Info Drive) was the first ever documented case of a ransomware virus, one that was so early that its method of distribution was not the internet but a mailing list and an information disk with a somewhat unusual end user license agreement.

The virus, designed for DOS in an era when it was the most dominant operating system for businesses, initially appeared to be an innocuous and relatively informative primer on what was known about HIV in 1989, but it also installed a counter that registered the number of boots.

Once it reaches 90 boots, the screen displays a red warning message demanding that the user pay PC Cyborg Corporation via a PO box in Panama to “lease” the software from the PC Cyborg Corporation. 

According to contemporary press, there were debates from solicitors regarding whether this might have been technically legal based on United States law at the time, although this turned out to be irrelevant.

To ensure that people pay the lease/ransom money, it also encrypts the names of every file on the main hard disk drive, including system files required for the computer to function properly.

A lot of affected computers, owned or used by AIDS researchers, simply chose to wipe their hard drives instead, potentially eliminating vital research work in the process. Allegedly, one health organisation based in Italy lost a decade of research data dating to the very start of the outbreak as a result.

Whilst many ransomware attacks are focused purely on money, the motivations of the writer of the PC Cyborg Trojan are somewhat less clear.

Ransom Or Revenge?

The virus was created by Dr Joseph Popp, an evolutionary biologist who did research work in Kenya during the apex of the HIV pandemic.

 

People who used the information diskette and the questionnaire noted that whilst it was at times badly worded and repetitive, the information included was not necessarily wrong, which suggested someone at least up to date with HIV research at the time.

This, alongside the rather untidy code and the fact that the encryption was very easily broken and reversed, suggested that the perpetrator was someone knowledgeable about biology but less confident with code.

The method of attack was remarkably intensive; some have suggested the cost of posting 20,000 physical floppy disks and incorporating a shell company in Panama would have cost as much as £10,000.

Whilst it would have taken just a few dozen people paying the ransom for him to make his money back, it was a lot of investment for a targeted attack.

Dr Popp was rejected by the World Health Organisation when he applied for a job relating to HIV research so revenge has been suggested as a possible motive. He had also claimed that he would donate the proceeds to AIDS research, which has lent credence to this theory.

When Dr Popp was arrested in Amsterdam after acting particularly suspiciously on a flight, he was taken to the UK to stand trial for blackmail; the Computer Misuse Act had not made it into law when he was standing trial.

Ultimately, he was declared not mentally fit to stand trial and was released, where he opened a butterfly conservatory in New York before passing away in 2007.

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The Top Cyber Threats Facing SMEs And How To Stay Protected

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In the past few days, major retailers including Marks and Spencer and the Co-op have been hit by cyber attacks, causing huge disruption to their services and compromising customer data. 

The Guardian reports that the criminals responsible have been identified by the National Crime Agency as Scattered Spider, and it is believed a form of ransomware called DragonForce was used. This is malicious software that is used to encrypt files, and the hacker demands a sum in return for unlocking them and returning stolen data. 

However, it is not just high profile businesses that can be a target for hackers. Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can also be severely affected by cyberattacks, and with ever-evolving threats and limited resources, these can be potentially devastating. 

In fact, the government reports that 67 per cent of medium sized businesses experienced a cyber attack in 2024. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats to watch out for in 2025, and how our cyber security support services can help. 

AI-enhanced phishing attacks

Phishing (using emails that mimic legitimate contacts to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link or sending sensitive data) is already one of the most common methods of cyber attack. However, in 2025, hackers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance emails to create highly convincing details.

The sophisticated software is even able to mimic the writing style and tone of the sender, and recreate graphics and logos down to the smallest detail. This means that the user assumes they are dealing with a trusted contact, because there is very little to raise suspicions. 

How to minimise the threat of phishing:

  • Hold regular training sessions so that all staff are aware of the threat, and encourage them to double check by contacting the sender through a different channel if they have any doubts. 
  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
  • Install advanced email filtering tools with AI-based threat detection systems. 

Cloud misconfigurations

Migrating to cloud-based services is a priority for many SMEs, as it can help to streamline operations and facilitate remote working and client communication. However, misconfigured settings can create weaknesses that will be exploited by hackers. 

How to protect your business:

  • Use a professional IT service to manage and configure your cloud infrastructure
  • Always turn on security features such as multi-factor authentication and encryption
  • Restrict access permissions to strictly necessary users and review them regularly

Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS)

The Guardian reports that DragonForce, the malware used to hack Marks and Spencer, is a Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operating system. This means that the cybercriminals use another group’s malware, who in return get a share of any financial gain from the attack. 

However, this threat does not just affect big name companies: in fact, it effectively throws open the doors to a much wider range of hackers. They do not have to rely on their own expertise to build malware, but can purchase or rent it on the dark web. 

Therefore SMEs should prepare for a sharp rise in this type of attack, which can involve paying out significant sums to release encrypted data or to avoid sensitive data being made publicly available.

How to protect your business from RaaS:

  • Keep all systems and software updated so that any vulnerabilities are patched
  • Install endpoint protection and 24/4 monitoring services
  • Carry out regular backups and store critical data securely offsite

How a managed service provider can help

If you are an SME without a dedicated IT team, staying on top of cyber security threats can be extremely challenging. A managed service provider can monitor your systems proactively for any suspicious activity, and ensure that all software is kept up to date with the latest security tools and best practices.

IT support for healthcare

New Funding For Digital Transformation In Primary Healthcare

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The government has announced that £102 million in funding will be made available to over 1,000 GP surgeries in England to expand capacity and upgrade facilities. This will include upgrading equipment and technology to support more effective digital transformation in the health and social care sector. 

The NHS Confederation reports that this will be the biggest investment in primary care infrastructure for five years. Here’s a look at how our specialist IT support for healthcare services can help your GP surgery to improve standards of patient care and future-proof operations. 

What are the current challenges facing primary healthcare?

The myriad challenges facing the NHS are well documented: rising patient demand, outdated legacy IT systems, smaller budgets and stretched resources. 

The new funding is targeted at bringing a selection of GP surgeries into the 21st century, with modern purposely designed facilities, improving waiting times and reducing the “8am scramble” for appointments.

In the Department of Health and Social Care press release, director of the NHS Confederation’s primary care network, Ruth Rankine said: “GPs and their teams welcome this vital capital funding to modernise premises to deliver high-quality care, closer to home and fit for the 21st century.”

“Primary care is the front door of the health service and has been managing increasing demand, yet a historic lack of capital funding in estates has been one of the biggest barriers to improving productivity and creating buildings suitable for modern health care – with a fifth of GP estates pre-dating the NHS and half more than 30 years old.”

“If we are serious about shifting care from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital, then sustained investment in primary and community estates, equipment and technology is vital.”

Why the transformation from analogue to digital matters

Despite urgent efforts, large sections of the NHS still rely on fragmented analogue systems to manage bookings, patient records and more. This means that they are more vulnerable to security breaches and human error, and are nowhere as safe and efficient as they could be in today’s rapidly advancing digital world. 

An upgraded digital system can help to streamline workflows, reducing administrative burdens on staff and freeing up more time for patient care. It will also provide a much more secure, scalable and centralised data system for improved compliance and continuity of care. 

It also widens remote access to healthcare, and paves the way for more patient choice and flexibility in the way that people are cared for when they are seriously ill or at the end of life stage. 

How managed IT service providers can help

Upgrading IT systems means a lot more than just buying new hardware and software: it requires strategic planning and expertise to ensure that the infrastructure is secure, using the most appropriate tools for the job, and compliant with NHS Digital Standards and GDPR. 

A managed service provider (MSP) will work with practice managers or in-house IT staff to audit the current system and identify any weakness and upgrade opportunities. We can oversee the implementation of secure cloud infrastructure and communication tools, and assist with the procurement of sector-specific software and management tools.

We will also recommend and install the most robust and up to date cybersecurity systems to protect patient data, and if necessary, assist with the education and training of staff in security best practices. 

All of our IT services are supported by a 24/7 helpdesk, and we take a proactive approach to identifying and resolving any glitches before they escalate into bigger problems. This will minimise any disruption to patient services, helping to raise standards of patient care delivery and drive down waiting times. 

If you are considering using government funding to upgrade a healthcare facility such as a GP surgery or hospice, our experienced team is ready to provide first class IT support. Contact is today for a free no obligation quote. 

The Role of IT In Ensuring Resident Safety In Care Homes

The Role of IT In Ensuring Resident Safety In Care Homes

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The health and social care sector is rapidly undergoing a digital transformation to improve the quality of care and raise standards of resident safety and wellbeing in care homes. This means that the role of IT systems has never been more important: technology is now much more than just an administrative assistant. 

Modern care homes are now underpinned by IT infrastructure that is central to safeguarding residents, maintaining secure communication, and efficient medication management. Here’s a look at how technology is transforming the care sector, and how our Huddersfield based IT services can help. 

Digital care planning and medication management

The majority of healthcare records have now migrated to electronic records, but these tools are far more sophisticated than just digitised patient notes. They play a key role in planning and medication administration, and are capable of alerting care staff to missed doses and re-ordering schedules. 

These tools reduce incidences of human error and provide a clear audit trail, which helps to raise standards of service delivery. However, these advantages only take full effect if the IT infrastructure of the care home is secure, reliable and efficient. If the hardware is outdated, or the networks are sluggish and slow, the standards of care will be undermined.

Our IT service teams will take a proactive approach to managing your IT infrastructure, identifying any weaknesses or areas that could be improved, and anticipating issues before they have time to escalate. This will lead to streamlined operations with minimal disruption and downtime, enabling your team to deliver the highest standards of care at all times. 

Round the clock monitoring and alerts

One of the most widely used patient care tools are remote monitoring systems, which detect and alert staff to potential incidents without the need for them to physically check up on the resident. Fast and reliable WiFi connectivity is at the heart of this, and our team will ensure that your network works swiftly and seamlessly at all times. 

This saves time and frees up staff for other duties, and also means that residents will receive immediate help when they need it, potentially reducing accidents or serious health emergencies. Staff will have more quality time to spend engaging with the residents, and fewer journeys to hospital and the administrative work required to log an adverse incident. 

Remote monitoring  also improves the quality of life for residents, not only with faster emergency support, but also because staff will need to make less frequent physical check ups throughout the night or when the patient is resting, allowing them to sleep without being disturbed.

Cybersecurity and data protection

Robust cybersecurity and data protection are crucial for care homes as they are entrusted with large amounts of highly sensitive data, from medical records to financial details. A cyberattack not only endangers the safety of residents, but also risks breaching GDPR, which could have legal consequences and cause serious reputational damage to the home.

Our team will work with you to understand your unique cybersecurity needs, and implement robust IT security measures, including the most effective firewalls and strong endpoint protection. We will continuously monitor your IT systems for suspicious activity, so any potential incidents can be quickly contained and mitigated.  

Secure communication systems

A good care home maintains clear and regular communication with the resident’s families, and also with the supporting network of GPs, therapists, and other social care professionals. This calls for modern cloud based IT systems that can provide video calling tools and other messaging platforms, enabling safe and effective communication and collaboration. 

Disaster recovery management

At Bee IT Solutions, we have our own dedicated data centre that is protected by the most sophisticated cyber security and physical security systems. 

This means that your critical data can be backed up and stored securely off-site, so that in the event of a power cut, hardware failure or cyber attack, you can retrieve essential information such as care notes, access controls and remote monitoring tools. 

We can help you implement and test a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, so that operations can be restored as soon as possible and disruption to resident care is kept to a minimum.

No matter how caring and highly skilled your team is, if your IT systems are letting you down, then your care home will never be as safe or compliant with regulations and CQC standards as it could be. If you’d like to find out more about how our managed service providers can help you, talk to us today. 

IT Support Boosts Your Business Productivity

How The Right IT Support Boosts Your Business Productivity

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A streamlined and efficient IT system is now at the heart of modern business operations, from construction companies to accountancy and law firms. If your IT is not functioning as well as it could, this can be undermining your business performance and productivity. Here’s a look at how our IT support service in Leeds will align with your growth strategy.

Keep downtime to a minimum

Even an IT outage that is resolved within an hour or two can potentially cost your business thousands of pounds in lost productivity. A professional IT support service will be on hand 24/7 to monitor your systems and respond instantly to any problems before they escalate. 

Not only this, our expert team will work proactively to anticipate any potential issues and stop them from causing your business any disruption at all. 

System optimisation

Even if downtime isn’t a regular occurrence and your IT generally ticks over, the system might not be running as efficiently as it could, with a hidden cost to business productivity. Our technicians will carry out a thorough inventory of your IT infrastructure to identify any issues under the bonnet that could be impacting the speed and efficiency of your operations.

They may make recommendations such as replacing or upgrading outdated software or hardware; reconfiguring the network to optimise performance; installing software that is specifically designed for your sector so that you have the best tools for the job; and automating repetitive tasks. 

This investment in system optimisation will quickly be repaid in saved time, more effective working practices, and a more confident and motivated workforce.

Gold standard cybersecurity

Well-managed cybersecurity is now vital for businesses of all sizes, as the nature of online threats continues to evolve in scale and complexity by the day. While some kind of cybersecurity measures are a given, poorly configured security could be slowing down your systems and interrupting workflows, even if they are reasonably functional.

We specialise in implementing the most up to date security solutions that act powerfully but unobtrusively in the background, so that they will not hinder daily operations. Our IT support teams will consolidate your current security measures into system wide protection, inclusive of managed firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and anti-virus and endpoint protection. 

Furthermore, we have our own dedicated off-site data storage centre, and we will regularly backup your critical data and store it securely in a climate controlled and robustly protected environment. This means that you can have an effective disaster recovery plan in place to ensure business continuity even if the worst happens, and it also boosts GDPR compliance.

WAST testing

We also offer web application security testing (WAST). This is ideal if your business runs an ecommerce platform, a customer portal, or any other type of web application that could be a target for cybercriminals, even something as simple as a contact form or booking system. 

WAST testing involves a comprehensive approach of testing, analysing and reporting on the security of your web applications to identify and mitigate any vulnerabilities that could be exploited to steal data, gain unauthorised access to your systems, or even carry out a ransomware attack.

Regular WAST testing ensures that both the back-end infrastructure and the front-end user experience of the application is secure and reliable. This is particularly important if your business handles high volumes of sensitive data, such as financial transactions and personal information that could identify your customers. 

Effective hybrid and remote working solutions

Flexible working arrangements are now the norm, whether members of your organisation travel to different sites to carry out surveys and consultations, or whether you have a multinational team who work remotely. Many locally-based staff also now appreciate the opportunity to choose between working from home or the office.

However, it’s essential to ensure that your IT systems allow your remote staff safe and timely access to the files and communications they need to carry out their job, while maintaining strong cybersecurity protocols. Our IT support service will ensure that your team has all the tools they need to work effectively and securely from any location. 

IT support for healthcare GDPR

How To Ensure Digital & GDPR Compliance In Healthcare IT

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Healthcare providers are in charge of huge amounts of highly sensitive data, and this makes them a key target for cyberattackers. Therefore it’s essential to maintain high standards of cybersecurity and effective and up to date IT systems. If you would like tailored IT support for healthcare, please contact us for further information. 

In the UK, healthcare providers must ensure compliance with NHS Digital standards and/or GDPR. Failure to do so increases the risk of cybersecurity breaches and puts patient data at risk, and may also lead to legal action or other penalties. 

This could leave the organisation vulnerable to ransomware attackers, where the attackers threaten to publish stolen data or refuse to unencrypt critical information unless a ransom is paid.

Healthcare organisations are regular targets for this type of cyberattack, because they are under intense pressure to keep their services running at all times, and have very little capacity for downtime. Furthermore, any leak of confidential information will severely diminish public trust and confidence. 

Therefore, criminal gangs deliberately target the healthcare sector because they are perceived as being more likely to pay the ransom. However, even if this drastic step is taken, there is no guarantee that access to data will be provided in return, and the malware will still be present. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood of being targeted in the future. 

 

What are NHS Digital standards and GDPR in IT for healthcare?

NHS Digital Standards

NHS Digital sets the standards for IT security and data management in the UK public healthcare sector. Developers and adopters must adhere to the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) during the procurement process or contract renewal as part of due diligence. 

The NHS England website explains: “The DTAC gives staff, patients and citizens confidence that the digital health tools they use meet our clinical safety, data protection, technical security, interoperability and usability and accessibility standards.”

“The DTAC brings together legislation and good practice in these areas. It is the national baseline criteria for digital health technologies entering and already used in the NHS and social care.”

GDPR in healthcare

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how organisations process and store personal data. This is a crucial issue in the healthcare sector due to the highly sensitive nature of the information they hold. 

All healthcare organisations must comply with stringent regulations regarding the accuracy, integrity and transparency of data storage and use. They must only collect necessary data, and patients must be informed about how their data is used. Furthermore, the data must be up to date, securely stored, and all compliance measures must be documented. 

If an organisation is found to be non compliant with GDPR, there are potential legal and financial repercussions. 

 

The importance of robust cybersecurity measures

Strong cybersecurity measures are the key to compliance with regulations and digital standards. All organisations should prioritise the following:

  • End-to-end encryption for all data
  • Multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security beyond passwords, such as text or email codes or biodigital recognition technology. 
  • Responsible access control to ensure that access to patient data is restricted to strictly necessary purposes only 
  • Secure data storage solutions such as cloud services or remote data centres
  • Systems vulnerability testing and regular security audits to identify any vulnerabilities

 

Staff training on best practice for data protection

The most common cause of data breaches is human error, so it’s essential that all healthcare staff are trained in key areas including the following:

  • Handling patient data securely
  • Reporting any security suspicions or incidents promptly and via the correct channels
  • The correct process for collecting, processing and storing patient data
  • The current security measures in place, such as password management policies and two-factor authentication 
  • How to recognise potential phishing emails and malware infiltrations  

 

Have a data backup and disaster recovery plan in place

Healthcare organisations should regularly back up data and have a secure offsite method of data storage. A disaster recovery plan should be put in place and this should be tested to ensure that it can be smoothly implemented in a timely manner if necessary. 

Large healthcare organisations are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer to oversee compliance efforts, monitor data security and act as the first point of contact for regulators. 

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Top Tips for Successfully Upgrading Your Business Hardware

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Technical support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, and for some businesses this will precipitate the need to upgrade outdated hardware. Microsoft strongly recommends that users upgrade to Windows 11 in order to avoid increased cybersecurity risks and ensure the most efficient operating experience.

However, Windows 11 may not be compatible with older PCs or other hardware components. In this case, it’s the ideal time to invest in more modern IT equipment. Here’s a look at why upgrading your business hardware matters, and some tips for managing the process successfully.

If you’d like some professional support, our West Yorkshire IT solutions company will be happy to help. 

The risks of outdated hardware

Running a business on older hardware might seem to be a cost effective approach: if it still more or less does the job you need it for, why spend money on new equipment? This is understandable if you have a tight budget and want to prioritise investing in other areas of your business. However, it can also be a false economy. Here’s why:

Increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities: older systems can be incompatible with the most up to date and effective security tools, such as PCs that are too old to run Windows 11. Cyberattacks can be financially devastating for businesses, and may also lead to breaches of data protection regulations and legal penalties. 

Slow performance: older systems can struggle to cope with the demands of modern software, or not be compatible with it at all. This can make your business less competitive, and sluggish IT can slow productivity and increase the risk of human error. It’s also frustrating and demoralising for staff, and can lead to a worse standard of customer service. 

Risk of failures: Older hardware is subject to a lot of wear and tear, and this increases the risk of downtime and system failures. It may be at risk of failing beyond repair, which can cause significant damage and disruption to your business, particularly if your data is not sufficiently backed up. 

The benefits of upgrading your hardware

Upgrading to new hardware will give your business operations the benefit of faster processing speeds and increasing storage capacity; the most effective and modern security features; greater smoothness and reliability; increased compatibility with new software; and less downtime and maintenance costs. 

How to plan your hardware upgrade

Carry out an audit of your existing systems

The first step is to conduct a thorough audit of your existing IT infrastructure, including all PCs, servers, network equipment, laptops and other edge devices. Evaluate the age and performance issues of each device, such as slow running speeds, recurring glitches, downtime, and other operator issues.

Ascertain if the hardware is capable of supporting existing software or handling future upgrades such as Windows 11. Consider what your future growth plans for your business are, and what role your hardware will play in this. For example, will you need hardware that can handle virtual desktops if you want to increase remote work or transition to the cloud.  

Establish your budget 

Put a budget in place to include the cost of new hardware, and the installation and configuration fees (unless you have an in-house IT team). Also factor in downtime and lost productivity during the transition and testing process. You can minimise this by planning ahead for quieter times for the upgrades, such as evenings and weekends. 

If your budget does not allow for a complete upgrade, prioritise the most important and urgent needs. Other options include financing deals with IT providers or hire purchase schemes to spread the cost. 

Procure new hardware

Consider the demands of your workload and storage requirements, if you are looking to grow the business or remain at the same level, and hardware that will be compatible with your remaining IT infrastructure and software. Other considerations include the latest in-built security features, and the level of technical support and warranties available. 

Plan a phased approach

Put a plan in place to ensure that you have a smooth and well organised transition. Start by backing up your critical data and testing the recovery procedures. Start with a phased rollout on your least essential operating systems before moving on to the key infrastructure. Test all new hardware for compatibility with existing systems.

Train staff

Support your staff so that they are able to understand and operate the new hardware smoothly. For example, they may need to use new interfaces or software, and get used to enhanced security measures such as two-factor authentication.

IT support for healthcare (1)

Government Confirms Extra £75m To Upgrade Hospice IT Systems

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The government has confirmed that £25 million has been released to upgrade hospice IT systems and modernise facilities, with a further £75 million being made available from April. As the healthcare sector continues to undergo a digital transformation, it’s crucial that hospices have access to modern IT systems and adequate IT support for healthcare.

In a press release, the Department of Health and Social Care explains that digitalisation will be a key focus of the new investment. This will allow hospices to expand their services into remote care, which will give patients the option of receiving end of life care in their own homes. 

Modernised IT systems will also support safe and efficient data sharing between healthcare institutions. This will mean that patients receive the most timely treatment, and it will save time and reduce the administrative workload for staff. It will also ensure that healthcare providers have access to the most accurate and up to date information. 

Ultimately, digital transformation of hospices will ease the current pressure of demand on hospitals, because more patients will have the option of personalised care in their own homes. To achieve this aim, hospices will be using some of the funding to invest in mobile devices and equipment. 

The first cash injection of £25 million is currently being distributed, and a further £75 million will be delivered from April. In total, over 170 hospices across the country will receive the funding. 

“The largest investment in a generation”

Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.”

He added: “Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.”

How IT service providers can support digital transformation

Managed IT service providers can help hospices and other healthcare providers to make a seamless and secure transition to new digital technologies in the following ways: 

Assisting with the procurement process

Selecting the right technology and equipment is essential to the success of the process, helping to streamline care and day to day  operations. However, the procurement process can be challenging and complex, particularly as digital technology is a rapidly evolving field.

IT professionals can help by conducting needs assessments to identify which technology solutions would be the most appropriate fit for the hospice’s aims and requirements. They can also ensure that the technology solutions will adhere to the compliance standards, such as GDPR and NHS Digital Guidelines. 

Experienced IT technicians will also be knowledgeable about the best vendors and suppliers of hardware and software, and may be able to negotiate discounts and additional support services. 

Implementing robust cybersecurity measures

Cyber security is a key priority in healthcare, where high volumes of sensitive patient data are being handled. Furthermore, healthcare organisations are prime targets for cyberattackers, because the critical nature of their operations makes them vulnerable to ransomware demands. Stolen personal data can also be sold on the black market. 

The expansion of remote hospice care means that robust cybersecurity is more important than ever. A managed IT service provider can help by ensuring that all critical data and edge devices are protected by cybersecurity protocols such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. 

The team will also conduct regular security audits to ensure that the measures are effective, up to date and appropriate. Ongoing monitoring and threat detection systems can also be put in place to proactively manage security and mitigate any issues before they have a wider impact. 

Assisting with cloud migration 

Secure cloud storage solutions provide safe and flexible data storage solutions. IT professionals can oversee this process for hospices and healthcare providers, ensuring that all the relevant regulatory requirements are met, and that the highest standards of cybersecurity are in place, with off-site data backup in a dedicated data centre. 

Integrating new and existing technologies

A professional IT service provider can ensure that there is compatibility between new and legacy systems, reducing the risk of disruptions. They can also provide an ongoing support and maintenance service to ensure a safe and seamless transition. 

Technology has the potential to create a more accessible and personalized healthcare system, which is empowering for patients and will lead to a higher quality of care.

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