Management Consulting

In the face of escalating cyber threats, the health and social care sector has encountered significant vulnerabilities, particularly highlighted by a series of high-profile ransomware attacks. For instance, the June 2024 ransomware attack on Synnovis, a pathology services provider for the NHS, resulted in a national ‘Critical Incident’ that disrupted blood testing services across London hospitals, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of procedures and the leak of 400GB of sensitive patient data. This incident exemplifies the urgent need for enhanced cyber resilience in healthcare, as 82% of UK healthcare providers reported at least one data breach, with a 19% year-on-year increase in reported incidents. To address these niche issues, Aon implemented a comprehensive four-phase approach to bolster cyber resilience for healthcare organizations. The first phase, Assess, involved a thorough evaluation of the data held by the organization, its accessibility, and existing security measures. This phase aimed to provide clarity on the organization’s cyber landscape and inform decisions regarding risk management and insurance. The second phase, Mitigate, focused on enhancing the organization’s resilience by identifying necessary security controls and ensuring that risks were proportionately managed. This proactive approach allowed businesses to make informed decisions about their cybersecurity investments. In the Transfer phase, Aon guided organizations in determining which risks to retain or transfer, ensuring they secured appropriate cyber insurance policies. This included preparing for potential breaches and understanding the financial implications of cyber losses. Finally, the Recover phase emphasized the importance of rapid incident response and effective management of recovery costs. Aon’s strategy ensured that organizations could not only respond to incidents swiftly but also maximize recovery from insurance claims and manage third-party impacts. Through this tailored approach, Aon has helped healthcare providers navigate the complex landscape of cyber risks, ultimately enhancing their operational resilience and safeguarding sensitive patient data against future threats.