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'Digital by Default' What The 10 Year Health Plan Means for Cyber Security

By  Craig Pepper  ·  2 minute read

The NHS has launched a new 10-year health plan that will make healthcare in England "digital by default". This means the NHS will use more technology to make care faster, simpler and more personal. But this also means we need stronger cybersecurity to keep patient data safe.

If you work in health tech, medical devices or digital health, here's what this means for you.

What does "digital by default" mean?

The NHS is making big changes:

  • The NHS App will become a one-stop shop for healthcare.

  • All patient records will be stored in one secure place.

  • More care will happen online or at home using apps and devices.

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) will help doctors save time.

  • Genomic and wearable data will be part of care plans.

This digital-first approach is good for patients, but also creates more risks. Cybersecurity needs to be stronger than ever.

Why cybersecurity matters more than ever

1. Patient data is a bigger target

The NHS will hold more sensitive information than ever before, including health history, genomic data and live updates from wearables. Hackers see this data as very valuable.

What you should do:

  • Encrypt all data in storage and in transit.

  • Follow UK GDPR and NHS data privacy rules.

  • Minimise data collection to what's necessary.

2. Everything is connected

Systems will share data across GPs, hospitals, care homes and apps using APIs. But poorly secured APIs can be an easy way in for attackers.

What you should do:

  • Use secure coding practices for APIs.

  • Implement strong authentication (OAuth2, OpenID Connect).

  • Regularly test integrations for vulnerabilities.

3. AI adds new types of risk

AI tools will write notes, give advice, and support diagnosis. But what if the AI is tricked or makes mistakes?

What you should do:

  • Keep humans in the loop.

  • Log and monitor AI actions.

  • Protect models and training data from tampering.

4. Identity and access control is key

More users and devices mean more chances for someone to access data they shouldn't. From staff logins to patient apps, identity matters.

What you should do:

  • Use multi-factor authentication.

  • Set up role-based access control.

  • Log all access and review it regularly.

5. Third-party tools can be weak spots

The NHS will use many external apps, cloud services, and devices. If one of them is insecure, it could affect the whole system.

What you should do:

  • Vet all vendors for strong security.

  • Require regular updates and patching.

  • Have contracts that include security standards.

Compliance requirements to know

NHS DSPT

If you work with NHS data, you must complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). It's based on the Cyber Assessment Framework and requires proof of:

  • Regular testing

  • Staff training

  • Risk management

  • Incident response plans

UK GDPR

You must follow UK data protection laws. That means:

  • Lawful data collection

  • Clear privacy notices

  • Secure storage and sharing

  • Patient rights like data access and correction

Medical device rules

If your product is a device, software or app used for care, you may need UKCA marking and to meet cybersecurity standards like:

  • ISO 81001-5-1 (for health software)

  • IEC 62443 (for secure connected devices)

How to prepare for a secure digital NHS

  1. Build security into your products from the start

    • Use secure coding and encrypted storage.

    • Test for vulnerabilities regularly.

  2. Take data privacy seriously

    • Limit data collected.

    • Offer clear controls to patients.

    • Get proper consent when needed.

  3. Control access and monitor use

    • Enforce MFA and access controls.

    • Keep audit trails of all data access.

  4. Be ready to respond to incidents

    • Have a clear incident response plan.

    • Know who to alert and how to recover.

  5. Secure your supply chain

    • Only work with trusted vendors.

    • Check their security regularly.

The NHS digital transformation brings great opportunities for innovation in health tech. But it also brings new cybersecurity challenges. Companies that can offer secure, compliant and privacy-first solutions will be well placed to work with the NHS.

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