The threat of cyber-crime to community pharmacy

The recent ransomware attack on Lab services provider Synnovis is a stark reminder of the very real threat of cyber-crime to the NHS and primary care providers and the detrimental impact it has on patients.  

Whilst pharmacists are aware of the need for adequate PI, property and general insurance cover to protect their business, the urgent need for protection against cyber-crime is still neither fully recognised nor understood and consequently not perceived as an insurable risk. 

Yet cyber-attacks can have a huge and damaging effect on all areas of the business, from loss of revenue and inability to access online systems to handling customer complaints and running the day-to-day business.  

These threats will only become more prevalent as community pharmacy takes on a more diverse role within the provision of primary healthcare and the growth of e-pharmacy.  

The sector’s use of technology for functions such as electronic prescriptions, patient record management and online services has made it increasingly vulnerable. 

In our experience, policy holders do not fully appreciate the very real threat they face from cyber-attack. For pharmacy, this might be partly because security linked to NHS sites is perceived to be adequate. All too often, it is not until a business has been compromised that the need for cover is recognised. And then, of course, it’s too late.  

We have recently appointed cyber insurance specialist OSR to provide our members with protection from the growing risk of cyber-attack. This cover offers our members a range of benefits to protect their businesses, including round-the-clock access to an emergency response team, cover for network interruption losses and cloud, remote or outsourced locations, through to cover for e-theft losses and liability and compensation costs associated with a data breach.  

Come to see our NPA Insurance team at the Pharmacy Show, presenting on the topic of insurance and independent prescribing, in the Professional Development & Careers Theatre.