The standard is used to establish how personal and sensitive data, such as information that can identify a patient, is kept safe when using email, and enables staff to follow correct data handling procedures.
Microsoft proved through the use of independent evidence that Office 365 meets the requirements of ISB 1596, which it claimed is the first non-NHS service to do so.
Derrick McCourt, public sector general manager at Microsoft UK, explained that the standard sets the benchmark very high for establishing how data should be handled.
“Microsoft is pleased to have worked with the Health and Social Care Information Centre to meet this standard,” he said.
“Microsoft takes the security and confidentiality of all our customers’ data very seriously and this accreditation means that any organisation associated with the health and social care sector – including GP practices and hospitals – will be able to take advantage of the cost efficiency of Microsoft Office 365 email, safe in the knowledge they are compliant with this new, exacting standard.”
Source: New feed