Case Study: Operating SIEM and DSPT in the NHS

Background

Amid growing cyber threats and stringent compliance requirements, a large NHS Trust was facing challenges in ensuring data security while maintaining compliance with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).

The Trust, already under immense pressure due to the increasing demand for remote services, recognised the need for a robust solution that could provide comprehensive security monitoring and streamline its compliance efforts.

The Trust was aware of Splunk’s capabilities for security and operational intelligence but needed expert guidance to implement the solution in a way that would better meet the unique needs of the Trust across security, business data and compliance.

Approach

Apto, with its extensive experience in data management, was brought in to support the Trust’s objectives. Understanding the unique pressures faced by NHS organisations, Apto proposed a tailored approach that focused on both immediate security needs and long-term compliance goals.

Initial Assessment and Planning:

Apto conducted a comprehensive discovery process with the Trust’s IT and security teams to assess their current infrastructure, compliance status, and specific data and security challenges. This assessment enabled Apto to design a bespoke plan that aligned with the Trust’s strategic objectives and operational constraints.

Rapid and Disruption-Free Deployment

Leveraging Apto’s proven methodology, the Splunk infrastructure was rapidly improved and configured with minimal impact on the Trust’s day-to-day operations, with a focus on ensuring the platform was directly related to the risks the trust’s unique IT environment faced.

Customised Use Cases for DSPT Compliance

Apto developed and implemented security use cases tailored to the Trust’s DSPT requirements. These use cases included monitoring access to sensitive data, detecting potential breaches in real time, and automating reporting for DSPT compliance audits.

Long Term Operation and Oversight

In order to keep the platform working as well as possible after initial setup and configuration. SIEM operations typically focus on several key areas for long-term success; including Platform Management, Data and Performance Management, Analytics, and Reporting.

Outcome

With Apto’s expert consultancy and engineering services, the NHS Trust successfully implemented a Splunk-based solution that not only bolstered its cybersecurity posture but also streamlined the time and resources needed to prove compliance with numerous compliance frameworks and best practices.

The Trust now benefits from:

Enhanced Security Monitoring: A comprehensive and scalable Splunk infrastructure that provides real-time visibility, that links to a comprehensive threat register, ensuring that the Trust is always clear on how the tool is configured to protect

Improved DSPT Compliance: Automated reporting and customised use cases that facilitate ongoing compliance with DSPT requirements, reducing the administrative burden on the Trust’s information governance team.

Operational Efficiency: The integration and better access to operational data into Splunk has provided the Trust with actionable insights, enabling more informed decision-making and improved service delivery.

Future-Proofing: A flexible and robust platform that can be easily scaled and adapted to meet the Trust’s evolving needs in the coming years, ensuring continued compliance and security in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

Apto’s dedicated methodology provided the NHS Trust with an enhanced relationship with how it used Splunk, which enhanced both security and compliance.

If your NHS Trust is looking to enhance security, ensure DSPT compliance, and gain valuable business insights, consider learning more about Apto Operate.

Learn More About Apto Operate