A large-scale hack affecting an international medical manufacturer has exposed the potential impact of cyberattacks on UK supplies for dentists.
On 11 March, a hacktivist group carried out a cyberattack on US medical manufacturer, Stryker which has resulted in supply chain issues to some medical equipment needed by the NHS. Dentists may only order the oral care swabs by submitting an escalation form to NHS Supply Chain and order essential items only. NHS Supply Chain has also advised practices to begin planning to reduce reliance on Stryker products over the coming weeks.
NHS Supply Chain said: ‘Our focus continues to be to maintain supply to allow the system to continue to operate as normal. Further guidance on product availability and ordering will be provided as soon as possible.’
From a dental perspective, the hack has been limited to a product used in relatively limited circumstances. However, the breach has put into focus how vulnerable healthcare systems and supply chains are to cyberattacks, with life-saving medical equipment such as defibrillators also affected.
Is UK healthcare vulnerable to cyberattacks?
A 2024 report on cybersecurity risks to the UK found that IT systems in UK healthcare were particularly susceptible to hacking.
It said: ‘Many of these systems still rely on outdated technology and legacy systems that may not be equipped to handle modern cyber threats, especially within healthcare and local government.’
In March 2023, the government pledged to provide a plan to protect the healthcare sector from cyberattacks by 2030.
Health minister Lord Markham said: ‘We’re harnessing the power of technology to deliver better, safer care to people across the country. But at the same time it’s crucial we’re also bolstering the defences of our health and care services.’
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