Organisation asks suppliers for information as first stage in finding a strategic partner
NHS Digital has taken early steps with its plan for a Security Operations Centre, with an announcement that it is looking for a supplier to act as a strategic partner.
The organisation, which provides national information, data and IT systems for health and care services, has published a request for information through IT industry association techUK, looking for feedback to go into a tender for the business.
It made the plan for the security centre public in its capability review, published earlier this month, as part of an effort to build up its own IT capabilities. It said the operations centre will provide real time intelligence on threats.
The announcement said that NHS Digital wants to test its own assumptions and approach on the people, process and technology requirements as part of validating its delivery approach.
The capability review pointed out that it has a Cyber Security Programme, backed by more than £40 million up to 2020-21, and works closely with the National Cyber Security Centre. But it needs to further develop its capabilities in the field and transfer its knowledge to care organisations.
NHS Digital currently provides a threat intelligence and incident response service through its Data Security Centre. It is aiming to build up its capabilities through the establishment of the Security Operations Centre, with an increased emphasis on education on cyber threats for health and care services.
A formal procurement process is expected to take place later this year, with an aim of the foundational services being in place by spring 2018.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
