Health Accelerator & PenTest NZ to provide discounted cyber security assessment for general practice

SECTOR UPDATE - ProCare

Primary care practices across New Zealand can now access a national, discounted cyber security assessment designed specifically for general practice, helping strengthen protection of patient data and digital systems.

The offer is being rolled out by Health Accelerator, a national primary care led innovation group focused on developing and scaling practical solutions for general practice, in partnership with PenTest NZ (a brand of Altersec).

The initiative comes in response to cyber incidents that affected the health sector earlier this year, highlighting the need for reliable data privacy and for practices to better understand and strengthen their current cyber security settings.

Through the partnership, practices can access a 25% discount on PenTest NZ’s standard cyber security assessment for general practice, an average saving of around $1,000 off the base assessment.

The assessment is carried out independently by PenTest NZ and identifies and documents cyber security risks specific to each practice. Practices receive clear findings, tailored recommendations, and evidence demonstrating steps taken to improve cyber security and manage risk.

Paul Roseman, CEO at Health Accelerator, says cyber security is now a fundamental part of delivering safe, trusted care.

“Cyber security is more important than ever, and Health Accelerator’s role is to support practices to ensure their security is sound and reliable. Partnering with PenTest NZ allows us to offer an independent, real world cyber security assessment at a significantly reduced cost.”

“Taking an assessment isn’t just for the sake of ticking boxes. It’s about giving practices confidence that they understand their risks, have the evidence they need to back their decisions, and can take sensible steps to protect systems and information.”

Faustin Roman, CEO of Altersec and the PenTest NZ brand, says collaboration across the sector is key to improving cyber resilience.

“We’re fully behind the innovation of the Health Accelerator initiative and supporting health providers in primary care and beyond to stay safe and healthy online.

“We’ve worked with PHOs for some time, including Tū Ora, and they share our belief that real progress comes from partners working together toward the same goal. System level leadership at PHO organisations enables companies like ours to support primary care, while clinicians focus on keeping people well.”

“This type of exercise is long overdue for many practices, so we welcome organisations that are interested in getting involved. Let’s spread the word, maximise this Health Accelerator partnership, and get New Zealand health services pen tested.”

The partnership reflects the need for practical cyber risk management aligned with Health NZ expectations, while ensuring solutions remain accessible and cost effective for practices. Health Accelerator is encouraging general practices to take up the offer and proactively support continuity of care.

More information about the PenTest NZ offer is available at: https://www.healthaccelerator.co.nz/pen-test-cyber-offer

Source: ProCare media release

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