EARL Reaccredited to NHS Secure Email Standard Amid Enhanced Security Benchmarks

We’re proud to share that EARL has once again achieved the NHS Digital Secure Email Standard Accreditation (DCB1596), reaffirming our unwavering commitment to secure, clinically safe communication across NHS services. This reaccreditation comes as the NHS Secure Email Standard has evolved significantly, now encompassing 95 benchmarks—more than double the 42 required in previous iterations. These enhanced benchmarks reflect the NHS’s dedication to robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring patient data remains protected in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Meeting the Enhanced CIS Benchmarks

The latest accreditation process demanded rigorous evaluation against the updated Centre for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, which now include over 90 individual standards. These benchmarks serve as a global standard for securing IT systems and data, and aligning with them demonstrates our proactive approach to cybersecurity. To meet these stringent requirements, EARL underwent comprehensive assessments of our technical infrastructure, data protection protocols, and clinical workflows. This included:
  • Implementing advanced encryption methods for data at rest and in transit
  • Enhancing access controls and authentication mechanisms
  • Strengthening audit logging and monitoring capabilities
  • Ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)

Collaborating with Security Experts

Recognising the importance of continuous improvement, we’ve partnered with leading cybersecurity firms to bolster our email security posture:
  • PCParamedics: Providing expert IT support and proactive monitoring to ensure our systems remain resilient against emerging threats.
  • EasyDMARC: Assisting in the implementation of strict DMARC policies and real-time monitoring to protect against email spoofing and phishing attacks.
These collaborations enable us to maintain the highest security standards, ensuring that all communications through EARL are safeguarded against potential vulnerabilities.

What This Means for Clinicians and Trusts

For our Trust partners and frontline users, this reaccreditation provides assurance that EARL continues to meet and exceed national security standards. Clinicians can confidently:
  • Send and receive referrals knowing they are protected by robust security protocols
  • Rely on automated safety checks that align with the latest compliance requirements
  • Access a secure, user-friendly platform designed with clinical workflows in mind
Moreover, Trusts can streamline their digital governance processes, as EARL’s compliance with the updated CIS benchmarks supports adherence to national policies and reduces the burden of individual compliance assessments.

Looking Ahead

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too will our commitment to security. We will persist in monitoring the cybersecurity landscape, updating our systems, and collaborating with experts to ensure EARL remains at the forefront of secure digital communication within the NHS. For more information on how EARL can support your Trust’s referral processes securely and efficiently, book a call with us.

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