12 June 2025

In a major leap forward for healthcare cyber security, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) has successfully completed the implementation of an advanced management system designed to protect critical Internet of Things (IoT), Operational Technology (OT) and medical devices connected to hospital networks.

As healthcare systems increasingly rely on interconnected technology, the need for robust cyber security solutions has never been more urgent. Many of these devices, ranging from drug dispensing systems to building management tools, operate silently on the network, often without consistent monitoring or timely updates. This gap in security is a key concern for Digital teams, who have struggled to maintain proper oversight of such vital equipment.

In response to these challenges, IWT secured funding in 2022 from NHS Digital's Unified Technology Fund for Cyber Security. This allowed us to procure a cutting-edge solution designed to scan and manage these previously untracked devices, providing real-time oversight and automatic isolation of any device exhibiting abnormal behaviour.

The newly deployed management system, developed by Cynerio, passively scans hospital networks, identifying and cataloguing devices. When devices show signs of a security risk, the system integrates seamlessly with the network access controls to restrict access and isolate the device, ensuring it cannot disrupt critical operations.

Steve Dyer, Project Manager at IWT, said: “This project represents a pivotal moment in improving the cyber security resilience of our healthcare network. The integration of this technology not only protects the devices that patients and clinicians rely on but also ensures that we comply with the latest NHS Digital security requirements. By isolating any potential threats quickly, we are reducing the risk of a network breach that could compromise patient care and operational efficiency.”

The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Trust’s Digital team, clinical departments, and cyber security experts at Cynerio. With the successful completion of this upgrade, IWT is now better positioned to address the evolving threat landscape in healthcare, proactively preventing cyber attacks that could jeopardize patient care and hospital operations.