Cyber Security

Expert NHS Cyber Security Consultancy.

Strengthening Resilience with precision and care.

At M8 Solutions, Cyber Security consultancy is not just one of our services, it’s our core specialism. We work exclusively with healthcare organisations delivering expert led consultancy designed to protect against sophisticated and evolving cyber threats.

Cyber Security is far more than a technical requirement it’s the foundation of trust, resilience, and continuity across NHS services. Our consultancy approach is tailored to the unique operational pressures of the NHS offering strategic guidance and end-to-end security solutions.

We understand what’s at stake: patient safety, data integrity, and uninterrupted care. That’s why we deliver CAF-aligned solutions that support compliance, strengthen risk posture, and ensure systems remain resilient within the NHS.

When you partner with M8 Solutions you gain more than a supplier, you gain a dedicated Cyber Security consultancy with deep NHS insight and a commitment to protecting what matters most.

Cyber security services protecting NHS systems and data – M8 Solutions safeguarding critical infrastructure

WHAT WE DELIVER

At M8 Solutions, we are first and foremost a Cyber Security consultancy, dedicated to supporting NHS organisations. We understand the complex and evolving threat landscape facing healthcare and we specialise in delivering expert-led strategies that provide robust, proactive defence.

Our consultancy services are designed to protect sensitive patient data, enhance operational resilience, and reinforce trust across the healthcare system.

Here’s how our tailored Cyber Security consultancy makes a difference:

Cyber Risk & Assurance

We start with visibility. Through in-depth, NHS-specific risk assessments, we identify and prioritise vulnerabilities across your organisation. From policy development to physical and digital threat exposure, we provide a clear roadmap to strengthen your security posture - building resilience with confidence.

Managed Cyber Security Services

Through our specialist Cyber Security partners, we deliver 24/7 managed Cyber Security solutions that provide continuous protection without the burden of expanding in-house resources.

These trusted partnerships enable real-time threat detection, rapid incident response, and round-the-clock monitoring, giving you the assurance that your digital infrastructure is always protected.

Technical Consulting

Need extra capacity or specialist advice? Our expert team of Cyber Security consultants embed directly into your team, offering flexible, high-level support that fills skill gaps and accelerates your security maturity. With NHS backgrounds and deep domain knowledge, our team moves fast - so you stay ahead of threats.

Cyber Security Testing

We don’t just test boxes - we test for real-world risk. Our tailored Cyber Security assessments mimic modern threat behaviour to uncover critical vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. We help you understand your exposure and improve your response readiness, protecting systems, data, and patients.

Technology & Tooling

Choosing the right tools is half the battle. We work with trusted technology partners to deploy NHS-relevant Cyber Security tools that align with your priorities - from endpoint security to advanced threat intelligence platforms. Our consultancy is vendor-agnostic, so your choices are always in your best interest.

why partner with m8 solutions?

At M8 Solutions, we specialise in Cyber Security strategies purpose-built for the NHS and shaped by a deep understanding of clinical operations, regulatory pressures, and the critical need for uninterrupted care.

Our approach is proactive, adaptive, and aligned to NHS realities. We don’t just respond to threats, we anticipate them. From ransomware defence to CAF compliance, we help NHS organisations build a resilient security posture that safeguards patients, staff, and digital infrastructure.

Partner with M8 Solutions to protect what matters most today, and into the future.

"As Director of ICT at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, I expect our partners to deliver not just technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the operational realities we face in the NHS. M8 Solutions, supported by Fort-Fi, have consistently met and often exceeded these expectations.

Their recent Penetration Testing engagement for our acute Trust was a clear demonstration of why we continue to work with them. The assessment was thorough, the technical insight was first-rate, and the reporting was exactly what we needed: clear, actionable, and grounded in the context of NHS operations. Every recommendation was practical and immediately relevant to our environment, giving us confidence in our next steps to strengthen our security posture.

We also asked for a comparative analysis of this year’s and last year’s Penetration Test results. M8 Solutions delivered this quickly and efficiently, providing us with valuable assurance and supporting our internal accountability processes.

Project management was exemplary throughout. Milly led the engagement with professionalism and attention to detail, proactive, responsive, and always ahead of the curve. We never had to chase for updates or clarity; M8 Solutions simply delivered.

Our regular meetings with M8 Solutions are not a formality, they add real value. The team has become a trusted extension of our digital function, integrating seamlessly while still challenging us and bringing specialist expertise. Their integrity, pace, and commitment to doing the right thing, especially under NHS pressures, set them apart.

If you need a Penetration Testing partner who understands the NHS, takes full ownership, and delivers consistently, I have no hesitation in recommending M8 Solutions. Their partnership with Fort-Fi brings together technical depth, agility, and a genuine commitment to our success - qualities that are rare and highly valued in our sector."

Joe Harper,

Director of ICT at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

“M8 Solutions recently delivered a comprehensive Cyber Operations Model Tabletop Exercise for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. Their team demonstrated deep technical expertise, a clear understanding of NHS operational realities, and an ability to translate complex cyber scenarios into meaningful, actionable learning.

These sessions are incredibly valuable, and I want to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the Trust for pulling this together. The dialogue throughout was insightful and engaging - it’s exactly this kind of collaborative discussion that truly drives change. The strong attendance from across the Trust reflected how deeply our teams care about cyber resilience and how committed we are to making this a priority.

The quality and depth of the output provided by M8 Solutions were outstanding. The Cyber Operations Model Tabletop Exercise Report captured a detailed executive summary, clearly outlined gaps identified, and presented findings, recommendations, suggested actions, and defined owners and timelines. This structured approach has given us a clear roadmap to strengthen our cyber posture and ensure accountability across our leadership and technical teams.

What stood out most was M8 Solutions’ collaborative and supportive style, they didn’t just facilitate a session, they created a space for reflection, learning, and strategic alignment. The exercise has given us real momentum to turn conversation into measurable change, and I would not hesitate to recommend M8 Solutions to any NHS organisation seeking to enhance its cyber resilience in a practical and impactful way.”

Neil Godfrey ,

Deputy Director at Digital at East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust

"We recently commissioned M8 Solutions to deliver a comprehensive 26-day penetration testing engagement across our estate, and the experience has been exemplary from start to finish.

From the outset, the team demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities, constraints, and sensitivities involved in operating within a live NHS environment. Their initial proposal was clear, technically robust, and tailored to our context - offering a flexible blend of automated vulnerability scanning and rigorous manual testing to ensure both breadth and depth of coverage. Despite the many restrictions we had in place to minimise operational impact, they remained professional, responsive, and quick to adapt their approach based on our feedback.

Milly Beech led the engagement with exceptional diligence and professionalism. Her meticulous coordination ensured testing was conducted with minimal disruption to live services, while maintaining full transparency and open lines of communication throughout. Milly’s approachable yet authoritative leadership style quickly built trust - she felt like a true extension of our internal team: responsive, accountable, and fully aligned with our goals.

The wider M8 Solutions team brought not only deep technical expertise but also a calm, collaborative presence that instilled confidence across our stakeholder group. Their ability to adapt to shifting priorities, respond swiftly to emerging risks, and accommodate operational pressures reflected a level of partnership rarely seen in external suppliers.

M8 Solutions operates with integrity, precision, and a genuine commitment to doing things properly. Their final reporting, delivered in partnership with Forti-Fi, was well-structured, insightful, and actionable - offering detailed risk mitigation advice and practical technical fixes. As a result, we now have a clearer understanding of our cyber risk landscape and a prioritised remediation roadmap we can confidently execute.

We would wholeheartedly recommend M8 Solutions to any healthcare organisation seeking a penetration testing partner who not only understands Cyber Security but truly understands the operational realities of the NHS. They are more than a provider - they are a trusted partner in safeguarding the critical services our patients rely on."

Tim Bishop,

Chief Digital Information Officer at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

“I had the pleasure of collaborating with M8 Cyber Security, and I wholeheartedly endorse their exceptional capabilities. Our experience with M8 Solutions while working with Portsmouth Hospitals has been nothing short of professional excellence. M8 Solutions consistently demonstrate a keen willingness to assist, even at short notice, tackling challenges with an unwavering commitment to our Cyber Security needs.

M8 Solutions has proven to be an invaluable extension to our Cyber Security team, serving as a trusted partner in safeguarding our systems and data. Their proactive approach and expertise have significantly contributed to enhancing our overall Cyber Security posture. I would highly recommend M8 Solutions Cyber Security services to any of my NHS colleagues seeking reliable and effective solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of Cyber Security."

Philip Kenney,

Chief Digital Officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

“We use M8 Solutions as our trusted partner for strategic Cyber Security advice, we continue to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of Cyber Security. M8 Solutions advice and commitment to excellence, coupled with their extensive knowledge of the NHS challenges plus their expertise in Cyber Security, has proven to be invaluable to our organisation.

The level of support and guidance which they have provided supported our decision to extend the length of our commercial agreement. M8 Solutions brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the dialogue, always being available to us through our arrangement and making collaboration effortless. They have assisted us with guidance and thought leadership to overcome Cyber Security decisions. Based on our highly positive experience, I would recommend M8 Solutions to NHS colleagues.”

Stephen Bromhall,

Chief Digital Information Officer at East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust

“Over the past several months that Tom has been assisting the Cyber Security team at our acute hospital his contribution as a Cyber Security Strategy Consultant has been impressive. Our cyber security defences have benefitted considerably from his insight, experience, and exceptional cyber security skills. We were impressed by the professional way he applied his extensive NHS experience and cyber security skills.

As a result, we now have much-improved processes and safeguards to better protect patient data and hospital systems operations. His relentless pursuit of excellence and profound understanding of the healthcare industry's unique challenges were instrumental in achieving remarkable outcomes and earning our unwavering trust.”

Richard Chadderton,

Head of Cyber Security at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

“Having recognised a potential challenge due to the loss of a key member of the Cyber Team, I approached M8 Solutions to understand what they could provide. Tracy introduced me to the Cyber team, she described the team as one which was born from a military background with skills that far surpass that of your average Cyber Security partner.

I find the teamwork with M8 Solutions to be unique. I find the individual responsible for delivering our CISOaaS to be exemplary and completely focused on what the Trust needs, he is not led by any supplier sales strategy. His knowledge, ability and flexibility to go above and beyond has been second to none. I am thoroughly satisfied with the solution provided and would not hesitate in recommending.”

David Tudor,

Head of Service Delivery at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

“We are grateful for the incredible support M8 Solutions provided for our 2012 server upgrade project. M8's exceptional expertise in project and supplier management was instrumental in the successful and swift upgrade of our 2012 servers. Their dedication and commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciated their outstanding contributions to the project's success. Thank you to M8 Solutions for their exceptional work.”

Laura Mumby,

Deputy Director at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

FAQs

What cyber security services do you offer?

We provide end-to-end Cyber Security services designed specifically for NHS organisations. This includes:

- CISO-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) for strategic leadership and assurance

- DSPT and CAF compliance support, including gap analysis and evidence preparation

- CREST-accredited Penetration Testing across on-prem, cloud, and application environments

- Cyber risk assessments and maturity reviews

- Incident response planning and resilience development

- Ongoing Cyber Security advisory, helping teams build year-round assurance

All services are aligned to NHS England Cyber Security requirements and built around real operational needs, helping NHS organisations strengthen readiness, reduce risk, and achieve sustainable Cyber Security assurance.

Can you help us meet DSPT and CAF requirements?

Yes. We work closely with NHS organisations to align cyber security strategies with the CAF aligned DSPT. Our support includes expert guidance, evidence collation, gap analysis, and practical remediation planning to help you meet your assurance requirements with confidence.

Do you provide penetration testing services?

Yes. We partner with trusted CREST-accredited Penetration Testers to deliver internal and external assessments. M8 Solutions manages the full process from defining scope and coordinating test logistics to delivering branded reports suitable for internal assurance and SIRO sign-off.

If you’d like to understand more about Penetration Testing and why it’s important for NHS organisations, take a look at our blog:

Click HERE to read: Penetration Testing made simple. What it is and why it matters.

How do you ensure minimal disruption during penetration testing?

We take a structured, risk-aware approach to minimise disruption. All testing is carefully planned with stakeholder input, formal risk assessments, and scheduling aligned to clinical and operational priorities. This ensures a safe, controlled pentesting environment with minimal impact on live NHS services.

Are your cyber consultants experienced with NHS systems?

Yes. Our cyber team brings extensive experience working directly with NHS organisations. With a deep understanding of NHS infrastructure, legacy systems, and clinical environments, we provide advice that’s not only technically sound, but also aligned with operational constraints, assurance frameworks, and real-world service pressures.

How quickly can you respond to urgent cyber security concerns?

We understand the urgency and impact of cyber issues within NHS environments. Our extended team is equipped to respond quickly to critical incidents, prioritising based on patient safety, service continuity, and clinical risk. We work closely with your internal teams to assess, contain, and resolve issues with minimal disruption.

Do you offer ongoing support or is it project-based?

We offer both. Whether you need long-term strategic support through a Chief Information Security Officer as a Service (CISOaaS) model or one-off help with a specific audit or compliance challenge, our services are tailored to fit your NHS organisation’s needs. We’re flexible, responsive, and committed to supporting NHS teams in whatever way delivers the most value.

Can you help us prepare for a NHS audit or external review?

Yes. We support NHS organisations in preparing for internal audits and external reviews by taking a structured, evidence-led approach. We assess your current cyber controls, identify assurance gaps, and help you clearly demonstrate compliance with DSPT, CAF, and Information Governance requirements. Our experience means we understand what NHS reviewers are looking for and we tailor our support to ensure you're confident, prepared, and aligned with national standards.

What makes M8 Solutions different from other cyber security providers?

Our team brings a unique combination of deep sector knowledge with hands-on technical expertise, allowing us to deliver evidence-based support that fits your operational pressures, resource constraints, and assurance obligations. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice or transactional delivery, we build lasting partnerships and focus on outcomes that make a real difference to your NHS organisation.

Do you offer tailored cyber security training for NHS teams?

Yes. We deliver targeted Cyber Security training for NHS teams across digital, clinical, and operational roles. From phishing awareness and data handling to role-specific risk education, our sessions are designed to be practical, engaging, and directly relevant to the NHS context. Whether as part of a wider improvement programme or a standalone initiative, our training helps embed a stronger, more resilient security culture across your organisation.