💉 Penetration testing for digital health technologies

Summary

• This guide introduces penetration testing (pen testing) as a proactive cybersecurity measure—likened to a "vaccine" for HealthTech systems.
• It explains how pen testing simulates real cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors do, helping protect sensitive patient data.
• The content also ties pen testing to the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC), making it essential for NHS procurement and adoption.

What this carousel covers

• What penetration testing is and how it strengthens the cybersecurity of digital health solutions
• The importance of aligning pen testing with product versioning and release cycles
• Types of pen testing methods: black box (external threats) and white box (insider threats)
• What a comprehensive pen testing report should include and how to interpret its findings

Key takeaways

• Pen testing is not just a technical requirement—it’s critical for safeguarding patient trust and passing NHS compliance
• Reports should clearly outline vulnerabilities, risk levels, and remediation plans using frameworks like CVSS
• Continuous scanning, not just one-off testing, helps maintain long-term system security
• Incorporating both internal and external threat perspectives ensures a more robust defence strategy

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