NHS still running Windows XP on over 2,000 computers despite spate of cyber attacks
The NHS has admitted it is still running Windows XP on over 2000 computers, even though the operating system stopped receiving security updates five years ago.
In a written answer, health minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: “As of July 2019, approximately 2,300 National Health Service computers are using Windows XP from a total of around 1.4 million.
“This equates to 0.16 per cent of the NHS estate. We are supporting NHS organisations to upgrade their existing Microsoft Windows operating systems, allowing them to reduce potential vulnerabilities and increase cyber resilience.”
After the major Wannacry ransomware cyber attack which crippled the health service for several days in 2017, the NHS admitted 4.7 per cent of its computers ran Windows XP.
Last year, the Department of Health and Social Care said it would spend £150m to upgrade all NHS machines to Windows 10 by 14 January 2020. That is when updates for Windows 7 ends.
‘A huge gamble’
Hackerone security engineer Laurie Mercer said: “Any organisation still using Windows XP today is taking a huge gamble with their security and will be putting the data they hold at serious risk.
“That the NHS continues to use unpatched, out of date software is incredibly irresponsible when we consider the sensitive data the NHS holds and the ease with which a malicious attacker could exploit this glaring weakness. Out of date software needs to be updated, upgraded and, if this is not possible, switched off.
“Ordinary people have no choice whether they use the NHS or not so do not have the option of choosing a more secure provider.”
Data security fines
The admission comes hot on the heels of the Information Commissioner’s Office doling out £238m-worth of fines to British Airways and hotel group Marriott International last week.
These were for not taking enough cybersecurity precautions, which led to both firms being subject to cyberattacks.
The two fines, issued in little more than 24 hours, amount to more than three-quarters of the total fines given by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the whole of the past year. This is despite the fact the FCA has traditionally given far harsher fines than the ICO.
source cityam
Industry: Cyber Security
Latest Jobs
-
- CIAM Architect Azure B2C
- N/A
- N/A
-
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Azure B2C CIAM Architect for a contract starting on Jan 2024. As an Azure B2C CIAM Architect, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and deploying an new Azure B2C Solution . Responsibilities: Design and implement an Azure B2C-based CIAM solution that meets the needs of our clients organization. Maintain and support the Azure B2C-based CIAM solution. Provide training and support to our employees on the use of the CIAM solution. Background designing, implementing, and maintaining CIAM solutions. Experience with cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solutions. Experience with OAuth, OpenID Connect,and SAML. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
- Senior IAM Consultant
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 depending on level of position
-
Senior IAM Consultant is needed to help lead and deploy IAM Projects for this expand IAM Consultancy The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of IAM concepts and technologies, as well as experience in deploying and managing complex IAM solutions. Responsibilities Lead the deployment of IAM solutions for our clients Work with clients to understand their IAM requirements and design solutions that meet their needs Configure and implement IAM solutions using best practices Integrate IAM solutions with other enterprise systems Provide training and support to clients on the use of IAM solutions Stay up-to-date on the latest IAM technologies and trends We are looking for an experieneced IAM Consutlatn with: Strong understanding of IAM concepts and technologies,including identity lifecycle management,access control,and authentication Experience in deploying and managing complex IAM solutions Experience with IAM products and solutions,such as SailPoint,One Identity Manager,and Azure Active Directory Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Fluent in German Candidates witll need to live and have the right to work within Germany to be considered.
-
- Security Architect - SOC Design - Outside IR35 London. SC / DV cleared
- London
- Outside IR35
-
Security Architect - With in-depth SOC Design experience needed for Outside IR35 London. SC / DV cleared. 6 month rolling Immediate Experience delivering technical Security Architecture design / assurance of security design with mobile network experience. HLD / LLD Current SC Clearance a must. Willingness to undertake DV. London 3 days a week Immediately interviewing.
-
- Cyber Security Risk Consultant. UK. Hybrid. Home | Work balance
- United Kingdom
- N/A
-
Cyber Security Consultancy - done the right way. Seeking a passionate Cyber Security Risk Consultant who enjoys helping clients make a different to their business. Warning- if you want a large, slow moving, high politics, high travel security consultancy that demands their a pound of flesh this is NOT for you. A successful individual will have experience working with clients to identify business cyber security risk. This is a remote first opportunity which means you will spend the majority of your time working remotely. You will however spend some time meeting clients as well as meeting up with the team on a monthly basis.. Some of the nice to have certifications. CRISC, ISO27001 Lead implementer, CISA, CISM, CISSP Along with dedicated training budgets, unlimited holiday and a structured career path, this opportunity will give a much needed work life balance. Unable to offer Visa sponsorship now or in the future. Apply and book a call in my diary with the below