The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has put up £500,000 to support small and medium sized businesses in the healthcare sector strengthen their cyber security.
It comes after the National Cyber Security Centre identified a heightened threat to the sector as cyber criminals attempt to steal intelligence, intellectual property and personal information from pharmaceutical firms and research organisations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DCMS said the funding will cover costs for consultancy and certification under the Cyber Essentials programme, and participants can receive guidance and support to get accreditation.
Firms could opt to receive support from one of the programme’s cyber experts, who will look at the organisation as a whole, identify its cyber security risks and help develop and implement a business continuity plan.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: "We know there is a heightened cyber threat for healthcare businesses at the moment so we are releasing new funding to help those playing a vital role in the pandemic response to remain resilient.
“I also urge all organisations to sign up to the government’s Cyber Essentials programme which contains a number of simple steps firms can take to get the fundamentals of good cyber security in place."
Image from iStock dra schwartz
