Why Cyber Security Must Be at the Heart of Digital Health
In the era of remote diagnostics and digital health, security isn’t just an afterthought it must form part of the foundation. For a platform like Hurdle, where sensitive data can be involved, strong cyber security is not a luxury, it is necessary and is integral to how we operate and builds trust with our customers. Hurdle is accredited with ISO27001 and Cyber essentials Plus certifications.
As cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly frequent it is paramount to have the correct tools and processes in place to prevent any risk.
As an example in 2024, around 50 % of UK businesses reported breaches, with medium- and large-sized firms facing rates as high as 70–74 % of incidents (helpthemove.co.uk) and the financial toll is steep. As such when it comes to health data, the consequences of lapses are even more severe, both ethically and reputationally.
At Hurdle, we do not just talk about data minimisation we build it into everything we do. We only collect the essential personal information needed to meet legal and clinical requirements. In our processes, we use anonymous metrics instead of identifiable data. By holding as little data as possible, we significantly limit exposure to security and privacy risks right from the start.
ISO 27001: The Gold Standard in Information Security
ISO 27001 sets global benchmarks for establishing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS) Hurdle’s ISO 27001 certification signifies:
- A holistic risk-based security framework covering people, processes, and technology
- Independent annual audits by accredited bodies (trust.hurdle.live)
- Enshrined best practices: encryption (TLS 1.2+, AES‑256), access control (MFA, least privilege), backups, segmentation, and disaster recovery, all tested regularly
Adopting ISO 27001 doesn’t just unlock compliance, it fosters trust and proves that our security policies and processes are robust, tested, and continuously evolving.
Cyber Essentials Plus: A UK-Focused Shield
Cyber Essentials Plus is a UK government-backed certification that provides hands-on assurance against common internet-based threats. Unlike the basic version, the Plus certification includes live penetration testing and vulnerability assessment by independent auditors.
Why it matters:
- It mitigates everyday threats like malware, phishing, and poor patch management
- Independent validation from accredited bodies (IASME-certified)
- It\’s essential for UK government contracts and supply chain entry
- Organizations with this certification are 92 % less likely to file cyber insurance claims
ISO 27001 & Cyber Essentials Plus: Why Both Matter
While Cyber Essentials Plus covers the rapid detection and defence against threats, ISO 27001 frames those controls within a mature management and review process. Together, they provide:
- 360° cyber resilience: technical defences plus governance and continuous improvement
- Competitive edge: vital for tenders, partners, and public-sector contracts
- Cost-effective maturity: CE+ as a fast-track foundation; ISO 27001 as the long-term framework
Industry guidance echoes this: implement both for robust supply chain positioning (nimbus-blue.com).
AWS UK Hosting: Inherited Strength + Own Vigilance
Hurdle runs on AWS servers based in the UK, inheriting AWS’s Cyber Essentials Plus scope and its annual audit regime (aws.amazon.com). But we don’t stop there, we layer our own controls (encryption, MFA, segmentation, pen tests) on top of AWS’s resilient infrastructure to ensure enterprise-grade protection.
What This Means for Users & Partners
- You’re covered by both AWS and Hurdle’s security controls
- You share minimal data reducing surface area for breaches
- You trust continuously audited frameworks not static, tick-box compliance
- You comply with legislation GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO standards
Cyber threats are real, escalating, and relentless. That’s why Hurdle has invested in a layered defence: UK/AWS infrastructure, Cyber Essentials Plus certification, and ISO 27001 accreditation built on data minimisation principles. We don’t just say we care about security and privacy we prove it.
To explore our policies and request documentation, visit our Trust Centre at www.hurdle.live/trust
