In the UK’s health tech sector, data security isn’t just a technical issue—it’s fundamental to patient trust and business survival. For companies handling sensitive health information, a single breach can be devastating. Penetration testing (or “pen testing”) is one of the most effective ways to safeguard this data. It’s a proactive check-up for your digital defences—much like a regular health screening for your IT.
Pen testing helps uncover security vulnerabilities early, protect sensitive patient data, and maintain the integrity of your service. In a field where lives and trust are on the line, pen testing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
What Exactly Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is essentially a controlled, professional hacking attempt against your own systems. The goal is not to cause damage, but to identify how an attacker might break in. Unlike automated vulnerability scans, a pen test mimics a real-world attack with a specific target – for example, trying to access patient records or take over an admin account.
By doing so, pen testers show you how far a breach could go and which critical data or functions are at risk. It can involve testing web applications, mobile apps, cloud servers, and even medical devices. At the end, you get a detailed report of vulnerabilities found, their potential impact, and how to fix them.
Health data is highly sensitive, and a pen test acts like an immune system booster for your IT. Importantly, it’s not a one-off task. Best practice is to conduct a pen test at least annually, ensuring that as your software changes or new threats emerge, your defences stay strong.
The High Stakes of Health Data Security
Cyber Attacks Target SMEs: 81% of UK businesses that suffer cyber attacks are small or medium-sized. Startups are seen as low-hanging fruit by attackers.
Most Breaches Are Preventable: It’s estimated that 97% of cyber attacks on businesses could have been prevented with basic security measures in place. Pen testing identifies these gaps.
Real-World Impact: The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack cost the NHS £92 million and led to 19,000 cancelled appointments. More recently, in 2025, a health software provider was fined £3 million after a ransomware attack exposed the data of over 79,000 people – a failure linked to missing basic security controls and testing.
NHS DSPT and DTAC
If you plan to work with the NHS, the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is a must. It expects organisations to base their cyber security on proven frameworks like Cyber Essentials and to test their security at least once a year.
DTAC, the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria, requires annual penetration testing of digital health products. It’s not optional. Having a recent pentest and evidence of fixing high-risk issues is essential if you want NHS adoption.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed baseline security standard. It’s a good starting point and often a requirement in NHS contracts. But it doesn’t go deep – it doesn’t require penetration testing.
Pen testing, however, is a great way to prepare for Cyber Essentials Plus assessments and build a solid, layered security posture.
GDPR and UK Data Protection
UK GDPR classifies health data as “special category” personal data, which means it requires stronger protection. The regulation explicitly states that organisations must regularly test their security.
Penetration testing is a recognised way to meet this requirement. It gives you proof that you’re taking proactive steps to protect personal data, and protects your business from fines and reputational damage.
Practical Benefits of Pen Testing for Healthtech SMEs
Prevent Costly Breaches and Downtime
Pen testing helps you fix vulnerabilities before attackers find them. It can save you from the huge costs of a breach, which for UK SMEs average around £21,000 – and much more in healthcare.
Smoother Audits and Partner Assessments
If you want to work with the NHS or large healthcare providers, expect questions about security. A recent pen test shows maturity and reduces friction in audits, certifications, and procurement processes.
Enhanced Investor and Customer Confidence
Security-conscious investors and partners want to see you’ve done the work. A pen test shows you’ve stress-tested your systems and taken security seriously from the start.
Meeting Insurance and Contractual Obligations
Cyber insurance providers increasingly want proof of proactive security. Pen tests help demonstrate you're a lower risk. They also help you meet security clauses in contracts with larger healthcare buyers.
Build a Culture of Security
Every pen test is a learning opportunity for your team. Over time, your dev and ops teams get better at building security into the process. It becomes part of your product DNA.
Looking Beyond the UK: FDA and EU MDR
Planning to expand abroad?
USA: The FDA encourages penetration testing in cybersecurity guidance for connected medical devices and health software. It strengthens your 510(k) or De Novo submissions.
EU: The EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) expects manufacturers to manage cybersecurity risks. Pen testing is an accepted way to demonstrate that your controls are effective and reduce delays in CE marking.
Building Trust Through Proactive Security
Pen testing is not just a compliance requirement. It’s a strategic investment in trust, resilience, and business growth. For UK healthtech startups and SMEs, it’s the most practical way to reduce breach risk, meet regulatory expectations, and give your partners confidence.
If you’re aiming to scale, partner with the NHS, or reach new markets, make penetration testing part of your core operating rhythm. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your product, your patients, and your future.