NHS Test and Trace has bolstered its cyber security defences with Risk Ledger.

The British cyber security company will manage security risks in the Test and Trace supply chain as part of a proactive measure to mitigate threats from cyber attacks.

The Risk Ledger platform will give the service the tools they need to manage cyber security risks at speed for a low cost, according to a statement from the supplier.

Cyber security risks in the supply chain often include third parties failing to encrypt sensitive data when it is being transferred. Under the deal, NHS Test and Trace will use Risk Ledger’s secure ‘social network’ to allow organisations to connect and share risk data securely, quickly, and easily.

This will provide visibility of their supply chain and a comprehensive set of data to identify, measure and mitigate supply chain security risks at scale.

Matt Warman, minister for digital infrastructure, said: “The government is working tirelessly to secure the nation online and grow the UK’s £8.9 billion cyber security industry as we build back better from the pandemic.

“We’re helping SMEs develop innovative products and services and it’s great to see Risk Ledger, one of the firms we’ve supported, win this contract to protect the Test and Trace system and support the national effort against coronavirus.”

Haydn Brooks, chief executive and co-founder of Risk Ledger, added: “NHS Test and Trace is essentially the biggest new start-up in the UK healthcare market so we are delighted they have chosen to take advantage of our ability to provide enhanced visibility of their supply chain risks.”

Risk Ledger has won competitions run by the National Cyber Security Centre, TechUK and most recently the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘most innovative UK cyber SME of the year’