The healthcare industry comprises medical equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance firms, public & private healthcare organizations, and providers of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and remedial services. These organizations hold highly sensitive medical data that is routinely transmitted among clinics, hospitals, and laboratories. Cybercriminals often target these organizations for protected health information, personally identifiable information, and credit card information—which is why cybersecurity software solution in healthcare and life sciences is extremely important.

IBM is an internationally recognized manufacturer and supplier of computer hardware, middleware, and software. It is a provider of hosting and consulting services in technological areas ranging from conventional computing systems to nanotechnology. Experts on the 360Quadrants platform have identified IBM as a visionary leader for its robust cybersecurity solutions and notable business strategies.

Recently, a three-year partnership deal was signed between IBM and NHS Digital—the national provider of data, IT systems, and associated information for health and social care professionals in England, especially those related to the National Health Service (NHS). The partnership has been created with an aim to improve the cybersecurity services provided by NHS Digital.

This partnership will cover the expansion of NHS Digital’s Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) so that better services can be provided to the NHS. NHS Digital aims to improve its malware analysis and vulnerability scanning capabilities and tailor them to the needs of specific organizations. Through this partnership, NHS Digital will also enhance its data analysis and monitoring capabilities and leverage several sources to locate potential threats to the NHS. It will also have access to IBM’s X-Force repository, thus encompassing threat intelligence.

After the May 2017 WannaCry attacks crippled the NHS, NHS Digital has worked hard to improve its cybersecurity capabilities. The attack had underlined the need for the NHS to undertake better cybersecurity measures. This partnership with IBM will enable security monitoring pilots to be undertaken across NHS organizations with an aim to look at various security technologies and test potential security solutions.
360Quadrants also lists competitors of IBM in the cybersecurity software in healthcare and life sciences space.