Improving Cyber Security in the NHS: Why Microsoft Sentinel and Arctic Wolf’s Proactive Support Work Best Together

Cyber security threats in the NHS are growing, with increasingly complex attacks targetting sensitive patient data and critical systems. To safeguard against these threats, a combination of Microsoft Sentinel’s automated capabilities and Arctic Wolf’s human-led Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services offers a comprehensive defence. Below, we explore both solutions and why they are particularly suited for the NHS.
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Microsoft Sentinel for the NHS
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool that also integrates Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) capabilities. Its primary function is to help organisations detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats efficiently and at scale.
Key Features:
- Automated Incident Management: Sentinel allows users to set up automation rules to tag, assign, or close incidents based on pre-set criteria, streamlining incident handling and reducing manual work.
- Playbooks for Automated Response: Sentinel leverages Azure Logic Apps to create playbooks, which can automate response actions for specific alerts or incidents. These playbooks help standardise responses across systems, speeding up recovery.
- Scalability: Sentinel’s cloud-based nature means it can easily scale with NHS requirements. Whether handling small or large amounts of data, the platform can adjust to organisational needs, although higher data volumes may lead to increased costs due to the pricing model based on data ingestion.
- Proactive Threat Hunting: Sentinel includes tools that support proactive threat hunting, allowing security teams to identify vulnerabilities or threats before they can be exploited. This proactive approach enhances the NHS’s security posture by preventing breaches before they cause damage.
Cost Considerations:
Sentinel’s pricing model is based on data ingestion, meaning that as data volumes grow, so do costs. NHS organisations, which generate significant amounts of data, must manage this carefully to avoid unexpected expenses. This makes Microsoft Sentinel powerful but potentially costly for resource-constrained environments like the NHS.
Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for the NHS
Arctic Wolf’s MDR service offers NHS organisations a proactive, human-centric security solution. Combining advanced technology with human expertise, Arctic Wolf delivers 24/7 security monitoring, helping NHS teams identify, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats.
Key Benefits for the NHS;
- 24/7 Monitoring and Visibility: Continuous round-the-clock monitoring ensures real-time detection and response to cyber threats, minimising potential damage and downtime.
- Unlimited Data Logging and Retention: Arctic Wolf offers unlimited data logging at no additional cost, meeting the NHS’s compliance needs for long-term data storage and audit readiness.
- Human-Led Expertise: The Security Operations Center (SOC) team actively monitors, investigates, and responds to threats with tailored, hands-on strategies, ensuring faster and more effective incident resolution.
- Concierge-Level Support: A dedicated team of security experts provides personalised support, guiding incident response and offering strategic advice to strengthen overall cybersecurity defences.
- Enhanced Security Posture: Arctic Wolf uses advanced threat intelligence and machine learning to detect and respond to emerging threats, protecting NHS organisations from risks like phishing and ransomware.
- Regulatory Compliance: Detailed reporting and continuous monitoring help NHS organisations meet strict regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties for non-compliance with data protection laws.
- Cost-Effective Security: The flat-fee pricing model offers a predictable cost structure, making Arctic Wolf a budget-friendly alternative to solutions that charge based on data volume, such as Microsoft Sentinel.
- Rapid Incident Response: In the event of a breach, Arctic Wolf’s team quickly distinguishes real threats from false alarms, containing and resolving incidents efficiently with minimal disruption.
- Focus on Core Healthcare Functions: By outsourcing security monitoring, NHS IT teams can concentrate on delivering healthcare and maintaining critical infrastructure, with Arctic Wolf providing peace of mind by managing cyber threats.
Comparison Summary: Arctic Wolf V’s Microsoft Sentinel
Feature/Aspect | Microsoft Sentinel | Arctic Wolf |
Automation Level | High; utilises automation rules and playbooks | Moderate; combines automation with human oversight |
Human Expertise | Limited; primarily automated responses | Extensive; human-led monitoring and incident response |
Data Logging | Costs increase with data volume | Unlimited logging included in service |
Cost Structure | Variable; based on data ingestion | Predictable flat fee pricing |
Scalability | Highly scalable but potentially costly | Scalable within the flat fee model |
Proactive Threat Hunting | Strong capabilities for threat detection | Focused on continuous monitoring with human insights |
Cost Considerations: Microsoft Sentinel vs. Arctic Wolf
Microsoft Sentinel: Sentinel’s data usage-based pricing can result in unpredictable costs, particularly for NHS organisations handling large volumes of sensitive patient data. While it provides strong automation and scalability, careful management of data ingestion is required to avoid high fees.
Arctic Wolf: Arctic Wolf’s predictable flat-fee pricing structure ensures NHS organisations have a clear understanding of their security costs, making it easier to budget for cyber security without the risk of cost spikes due to increased data volumes.
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds for the NHS
Both Microsoft Sentinel and Arctic Wolf offer valuable cyber security solutions. Microsoft Sentinel excels in automation, scalability, and proactive threat hunting, but its variable costs can pose challenges for NHS organisations with high data volumes. On the other hand, Arctic Wolf provides a more human-centric approach, with unlimited data retention, predictable pricing, and 24/7 expert support, making it a strong option for the NHS.
For NHS organisations seeking a robust, cost-effective cyber security solution, a combination of Microsoft Sentinel’s automation with Arctic Wolf’s proactive, human-led services offers a balanced approach. This ensures that NHS systems are not only protected from current threats but also prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to future cyber challenges.
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