UK

New NHS plan adds AI to protect patient safety

The NHS is set to introduce a world-first AI system to detect patient safety risks early by analysing hospital data for warning signs of deaths, injuries, or abuse.

Instead of waiting for patterns to emerge through traditional oversight, the AI will use near real-time data to trigger alerts and launch rapid inspections.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that a new maternity-focused AI tool will roll out across NHS trusts in November. It will monitor stillbirths, brain injuries and death rates, helping identify issues before they become scandals.

The initiative forms part of a new 10-year plan to modernise the health service and move it from analogue to digital care.

The technology will send alerts to the Care Quality Commission, whose teams will investigate flagged cases. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s medical director, said the UK would become the first country to trial this AI-enabled early warning system to improve patient care.

CQC chief Sir Julian Hartley added it would strengthen quality monitoring across services.

However, nursing leaders voiced concerns that AI could distract from more urgent needs. Professor Nicola Ranger of the Royal College of Nursing warned that low staffing levels remain a critical issue.

She stressed that one nurse often handles too many patients, and technology should not replace the essential investment in frontline staff.

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BT report shows rise in cyber attacks on UK small firms

A BT report has found that 42% of small businesses in the UK suffered a cyberattack in the past year. The study also revealed that 67% of medium-sized firms were targeted, while many lacked basic security measures or staff training.

Phishing was named the most common threat, hitting 85% of businesses in the UK, and ransomware incidents have more than doubled. BT’s new training programme aims to help SMEs take practical steps to reduce risks, covering topics like AI threats, account takeovers and QR code scams.

Tris Morgan from BT highlighted that SMEs face serious risks from cyber attacks, which could threaten their survival. He stressed that security is a necessary foundation and can be achieved without vast resources.

The report follows wider warnings on AI-enabled cyber threats, with other studies showing that few firms feel prepared for these risks. BT’s training is part of its mission to help businesses grow confidently despite digital dangers.

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NHS patient death linked to cyber attack delays

A patient has died after delays caused by a major cyberattack on NHS services, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed. The attack, targeting pathology services, resulted in a long wait for blood test results that contributed to the patient’s death.

The June 2024 ransomware attack on Synnovis, a provider of blood test services, also delayed 1,100 cancer treatments and postponed more than 1,000 operations. The Russian group Qilin is believed to have been behind the attack that impacted multiple hospital trusts across London.

Healthcare providers struggled to deliver essential services, resorting to using universal O-type blood, which triggered a national shortage. Sensitive data stolen during the attack was later published online, adding to the crisis.

Cybersecurity experts warned that the NHS remains vulnerable because of its dependence on a vast network of suppliers. The incident highlights the human cost of cyber attacks, with calls for stronger protections across critical healthcare systems in the UK.

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AI drives fall in graduate jobs

According to new figures from Indeed, AI adoption across industries has contributed to a steep drop in graduate job listings. The jobs platform reported a one-third fall in advertised roles for recent graduates, the lowest level seen in almost a decade.

Major professional services firms have significantly scaled back their graduate intakes in response to shifting labour demands. KPMG, Deloitte, EY and PwC all reported reductions, with KPMG cutting its graduate cohort by a third.

The UK government has pledged to improve the nation’s AI skills through partnerships to upskill 7.5 million workers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the plan during London Tech Week as part of efforts to prepare for an AI-driven economy.

Concerns over AI replacing human roles were highlighted in a controversial ad campaign by Californian firm Artisan, which sparked complaints to the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority. The campaign’s slogan urged companies to stop hiring humans.

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Verizon and Nokia secure UK contract

Verizon and Nokia have partnered to deliver private 5G networks at Thames Freeport in the UK. The networks will support industrial operations with high-speed, reliable connectivity, enabling AI, automation, and real-time data processing.

The UK contract is part of a broader multibillion-dollar transformation of the region. Nokia will provide all hardware and software, powering major sites, including DP World London Gateway and Ford’s Dagenham plant.

Preparations for 6G are already underway, with Nokia expecting commercial rollout by late 2029. The technology promises enhanced AI capabilities, improved device battery life, and efficient spectrum sharing with 5G.

Thanks to advanced spectrum management features, the transition between 5G and 6G is expected to be smooth. Both networks will operate simultaneously without interference, supporting the next industrial and consumer technology generation.

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AI in cardiology: 3D heart scan could cut waiting times

A new AI-powered heart test could significantly improve early detection of cardiovascular disease, especially in high-risk patients without symptoms.

Developed in Germany and evaluated in a UK study led by Dr Simon Rudland, the Cardisio test uses five electrodes—four on the chest, one on the back—to record 3D heart data. Unlike a traditional 2D ECG, this method captures electrical signals in more dimensions and uses AI to analyse rhythm, structure, and blood flow.

The quick 10-minute test returns a colour-coded result: green (normal), amber (borderline), or red (high risk). The study, published in BJGP Open, tested 628 individuals and found a positive predictive accuracy of 80% and a negative accuracy of 90.4%, with fewer than 2% test failures.

Dr Rudland called the findings ‘exciting,’ noting that the technology could streamline referrals, improve diagnosis in primary care, and reduce hospital waiting lists. He added that a pilot rollout may begin soon in Suffolk or north Essex, targeting high-risk women.

AI’s ability to process complex cardiac data far exceeds human capacity, making it a promising tool in preventative medicine. This research supports the NHS’s broader push to integrate AI for faster, smarter healthcare.

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UK cyber agency warns AI will accelerate cyber threats by 2027

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has warned that integrating AI into national infrastructure creates a broader attack surface, raising concerns about an increased risk of cyber threats.

Its latest report outlines how AI may amplify the capabilities of threat actors, especially when it comes to exploiting known vulnerabilities more rapidly than ever before.

By 2027, AI-enabled tools are expected to shorten the time between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation significantly. The evolution could pose a serious challenge for defenders, particularly within critical systems.

The NCSC notes that the risk of advanced cyber attacks will likely escalate unless organisations can keep pace with so-called ‘frontier AI’.

The centre also predicts a growing ‘digital divide’ between organisations that adapt to AI-driven threats and those left behind. The divide could further endanger the overall cyber resilience of the UK. As a result, decisive action is being urged to close the gap and reduce future risks.

NCSC operations director Paul Chichester said AI is expanding attack surfaces, increasing the volume of threats, and speeding up malicious activity. He emphasised that while these dangers are real, AI can strengthen the UK’s cyber defences.

Organisations are encouraged to adopt robust security practices using resources like the Cyber Assessment Framework, the 10 Steps to Cyber Security, and the new AI Cyber Security Code of Practice.

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Smart machines, dark intentions: UN urges global action on AI threats

The United Nations has warned that terrorists could seize control of AI-powered vehicles to launch devastating attacks in public spaces. A new report outlines how extremists might exploit autonomous cars and drones to bypass traditional defences.

AI is also feared to be a tool for facial recognition targeting and mass ‘swarm’ assaults using aerial devices. Experts suggest that key parts of modern infrastructure could be turned against the public if hacked.

Britain’s updated counter-terrorism strategy now reflects these growing concerns, including the risk of AI-generated propaganda and detailed attack planning. The UN has called for immediate global cooperation to limit how such technologies can be misused.

Security officials maintain that AI also offers valuable tools in the fight against extremism, enabling quicker intelligence processing and real-time threat identification. Nonetheless, authorities have been urged to prepare for worst-case scenarios involving AI-directed violence.

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UK remote work still a major data security risk

A new survey reveals that 69% of UK companies reported data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over the past year, a steep rise from 53% in 2024.

The research conducted by Apricorn highlights that nearly half of remote workers knowingly compromised data security.

Based on responses from 200 UK IT security leaders, the study found that phishing remains the leading cause of breaches, followed by human error. Despite widespread remote work policies, 58% of organisations believe staff lack the proper tools or skills to protect sensitive data.

The use of personal devices for work has climbed to 56%, while only 19% of firms now mandate company-issued hardware. These trends raise ongoing concerns about end point security, data visibility, and maintaining GDPR compliance in hybrid work environments.

Technical support gaps and unclear encryption practices remain pressing issues, with nearly half of respondents finding it increasingly difficult to manage remote work technology. Apricorn’s Jon Fielding called for a stronger link between written policy and practical security measures to reduce breaches.

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UK health sector adopts AI while legacy tech lags

The UK’s healthcare sector has rapidly embraced AI, with adoption rising from 47% in 2024 to 94% in 2025, according to SOTI’s new report ‘Healthcare’s Digital Dilemma’.

AI is no longer confined to administrative tasks, as 52% of healthcare professionals now use it for diagnosis and 57% to personalise treatments. SOTI’s Stefan Spendrup said AI is improving how care is delivered and helping clinicians make more accurate, patient-specific decisions.

However, outdated systems continue to hamper progress. Nearly all UK health IT leaders report challenges from legacy infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) tech and telehealth tools.

While connected devices are widely used to support patients remotely, 73% rely on outdated, unintegrated systems, significantly higher than the global average of 65%.

These systems limit interoperability and heighten security risks, with 64% experiencing regular tech failures and 43% citing network vulnerabilities.

The strain on IT teams is evident. Nearly half report being unable to deploy or manage new devices efficiently, and more than half struggle to offer remote support or access detailed diagnostics. Time lost to troubleshooting remains a common frustration.

The UK appears more affected by these challenges than other countries surveyed, indicating a pressing need to modernise infrastructure instead of continuing to patch ageing technology.

While data security remains the top IT concern in UK healthcare, fewer IT teams see it as a priority, falling from 33% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. Despite a sharp increase in data breaches, the number rose from 71% to 84%.

Spendrup warned that innovation risks being undermined unless the sector rebalances priorities, with more focus on securing systems and replacing legacy tools instead of delaying necessary upgrades.

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