The deal with Microsoft will ensure all health and care organisations are using the latest Windows 10 software with up-to-date security settings to help prevent cyber attacks.

Since 2017 the government has invested £60 million to address cyber security weaknesses. A further £150 million will be spent over the next 3 years to improve the NHS’s resilience against attacks. This will include setting up a new digital security operations centre to prevent, detect and respond to incidents.

The centre will:

• allow NHS Digital to respond to cyber attacks more quickly

• allow local trusts to detect threats, isolate infected machines and kill the threat before it spreads

Other measures to improve cyber security include:

• £21 million to upgrade firewalls and network infrastructure at major trauma centre hospitals and ambulance trusts

• £39 million spent by NHS trusts to address infrastructure weaknesses

• new powers given to the Care Quality Commission to inspect NHS trusts on their cyber and data security capabilities

• a data security and protection toolkit which requires health and care organisations to meet 10 security standards

• a text messaging alert system to ensure trusts have access to accurate information – even when internet and email services are down