SBS adds cyber function to Edge4Health platform

The Edge4Health procurement platform now comes with an integrated cyber security feature, helping to improve the security of the NHS’s supply chain.

The newly-launched Edge4Health is being rolled out to more than 60 NHS organisations and will be used by around 30,000 NHS employees. The platform now also enables suppliers to the NHS to check and improve their cyber security, thanks to a dial indicating whether their rating is good, average or bad.

By clicking on the dial, suppliers can download a report that provides a detailed explanation of the specific threats and vulnerabilities affecting their individual organisation, with reports showing exactly how suppliers can reduce their vulnerabilities, enabling them to improve their own security and that of the NHS.

A recent report published by Orpheus reviewed the current cyber security of a large number of NHS suppliers and found that: 88 per cent have had company emails and passwords leaked due to attacks on third-party databases; 37 per cent of companies have vulnerabilities that look attractive to cyber criminals; 17 per cent of companies appear to run databases that criminals could target; and 95 per cent of companies lack advanced email protection.

Phil Davies, director of Procurement at NHS SBS said: “With £9 billion of annual spend, the NHS has some of the longest and most complex supply chains in the world. Ensuring the security and integrity of these supply chains is a priority for NHS organisations, the government, and suppliers. Enabling suppliers to swiftly check on their current cyber security status is an important step forward in mitigating the threat posed.”