Patient health records are a gold mine for cybercriminals. Just one record sells for up to £1,000 on the dark web compared to £5 for credit card details. Worse still, breaches of healthcare providers are becoming ever more common. In the past five years, 8903 incidents have been reported to the Information Commissioners Office. And, according to research from Kroll, healthcare was the most targeted sector in 2024 (accounting for nearly a quarter of all breaches).
However, there is a simple, often overlooked, thing you can do to better protect your hospital, surgery or business. 95% of breaches stem from some kind of human error, whether that's clicking on a phishing link or replying to the wrong email. So, one of the best things you can do for your organisation's cyber health is to invest in cybersecurity training.
The benefits of cybersecurity training for healthcare providers
Cybersecurity training equips your team to make better security decisions every day. From checking emails to managing passwords, every action carries potential risk. Without proper training, these become vulnerabilities.
Training strengthens your cyber health in several ways.
Compliance
Healthcare companies must comply with strict regulatory requirements under GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and sector-specific frameworks like the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit. Proper training ensures your team understands their role in maintaining compliance.
Protecting sensitive data
Train your team how to handle data properly, so they’re always security conscious, whether they’re sharing test results or updating records. This naturally creates a barrier against unauthorised access and maintains efficiency.
Continuity of care
When systems go offline during a cyberattack, patient care suffers. Appointments get cancelled, test results are inaccessible, and treatment plans are delayed. Training helps prevent these disruptions and prepares your team to maintain essential services during security incidents.
Reputation management
Patient trust takes years to build but can disappear overnight after a data breach. Effective training minimises this risk and ensures your team can respond appropriately if an incident occurs.
Improving your cyber health – six areas for cybersecurity training for healthcare
1. Phishing awareness training
Phishing initiates 91% of all cyberattacks, with healthcare staff facing sophisticated scams designed for medical contexts. Recent examples include fake COVID-19 vaccine scheduling emails and fabricated patient record requests.
Training priorities:
- Run simulated phishing exercises using healthcare-specific scenarios
- Teach staff to spot indicators of fraudulent communications
- Establish clear reporting channels for suspicious messages
- Reinforce that legitimate organisations never request passwords via email
2. Password and authentication security
Strong authentication is crucial. Credential theft enables 61% of healthcare breaches, but proper authentication practices can block most of these attempts.
Training priorities:
- Teach password management suitable for clinical environments
- Implement and train staff to use password managers
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Ensure staff understand why MFA matters
- Introduce protocols for password resets in emergencies
3. Device and endpoint security
Healthcare workers use multiple devices across various locations, and every device is a potential entry point for attackers.
Training priorities:
- Develop clear guidelines for practice-owned and personal devices
- Establish practical BYOD protocols for healthcare workflows
- Schedule device updates that don't interrupt patient care
4. Incident response
Clear protocols for security incidents alongside fast response times can significantly limit damage and disruption.
Training priorities:
- Develop streamlined incident response procedures to maintain patient care
- Clarify what constitutes a reportable security incident
- Establish clear communication channels during security events
- Practice incident scenarios regularly with realistic, relevant examples
5. Network security basics
Your network is crucial for seamless communication, data sharing, and patient care, but it also expands your attack surface. A single network vulnerability can expose your entire organisation to breaches.
Training priorities:
- Secure network access, particularly for remote access
- Teach staff to recognise warning signs of network intrusions
- Establish protocols for connecting medical devices to networks
- Provide guidance on secure application use
6. Social engineering awareness
Healthcare faces unique social engineering risks, including imposters posing as patients, pharmaceutical representatives, or officials.
Training priorities:
- Develop verification procedures that maintain patient privacy
- Ensure identity protocols are followed before granting access
- Train reception staff on handling unusual information requests
Delivering cybersecurity training in healthcare
The way you deliver training directly impacts its effectiveness. Here's how to ensure your investment pays off:
Delivering cybersecurity training in healthcare
The way you deliver training directly impacts its effectiveness. Here's how to ensure your investment pays off:
Keep sessions short
Micro-learning sessions are easier to digest and schedule than lengthy sessions. Keep modules short and focused to help information retention.
Make it relevant
Avoid generic training. Use scenarios relevant to your people, like updating patient records, using appointment systems, and sharing treatment plans. This demonstrates how security applies to them and their daily activities.
Focus on practical actions
Busy healthcare professionals need actionable guidance, not theory. Focus on specific behaviours that improve security without disrupting patient care.
Test and reinforce
Regular simulations, knowledge checks, and refreshers maintain vigilance. Consider healthcare-specific phishing simulations and exercises based on real incidents.
Build a supportive culture
Move beyond compliance to foster a culture where security enhances patient care. Recognise staff who report suspicious activity, and ensure leadership demonstrates security best practices.
Launching your healthcare cybersecurity training
Here’s how you can prepare for training:
- Assess your current situation by examining your unique workflows, systems, and previous security concerns
- Survey your staff to identify knowledge gaps and existing strengths
- Review security incidents that have affected similar healthcare organisations
Consult specialist frameworks like NHS Digital's Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Based on this assessment, develop a focused training plan – either on your own or with a training provider – that addresses your highest-priority risks first with comprehensive coverage over time.
Building a security-first culture
Effective cybersecurity training for healthcare providers doesn't require massive budgets. Focus on healthcare-specific skills and integrate security habits into daily workflows that staff already understand.
Considering introducing cybersecurity awareness training into your business? Check out CyberSmart Learn, our cybersecurity focused learning management system.