What is IoT in Healthcare?
The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare, also known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), refers to a network of connected medical devices and systems that collect, transmit, and analyze health data in real time. While these smart technologies are transforming the healthcare industry by enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, they also introduce new challenges, making Healthcare IoT Security a critical concern. Protecting sensitive health information and ensuring the safety of connected devices is essential to maintaining trust and compliance in modern healthcare environments.
IoT in healthcare streamlines clinical processes, improves patient outcomes, and drives innovation in diagnostics and treatment. Key advantages include:
- Improved Efficiency: IoT in healthcare devices can track the real-time location of medical equipment and aid in infection control through hygiene monitoring.
- Interoperability and Communication: IoT devices enable seamless data exchange and automation of patient care workflows.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Wearable health devices support real-time monitoring of patient health, including tracking vital signs such as blood pressure and glucose levels.
IoT Security Challenges in Healthcare
Healthcare IoT security involves protecting Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices and the sensitive data they generate, such as patient records and real-time health metrics.
As IoMT devices increasingly power remote monitoring, telemedicine, and personalized treatments, they significantly enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. However, these benefits come with growing cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, device tampering, and threats to patient privacy.
With healthcare systems relying more heavily on connected technologies for critical functions, Healthcare IoT security is no longer optional, it’s essential. Robust healthcare IoT security is vital for:
- Protecting sensitive patient data
- Ensuring patient safety and uninterrupted care
- Preserving the integrity of medical devices and systems
Effective security policies not only guard against cyberattacks but also help healthcare providers fully realize the benefits of IoT in Healthcare without compromising trust or compliance.
Healthcare IoT Security Risks
Despite the many benefits of connected medical technologies, healthcare IoT security remains a serious concern. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices collect and transmit vast amounts of sensitive personal health information (PHI), which is often more valuable to cybercriminals than traditional personally identifiable information (PII).
Common vulnerabilities include weak encryption, outdated firmware, poor network segmentation, and insecure third-party systems. As the number of connected devices grows, so does the attack surface.
With many healthcare organizations not investing enough in cybersecurity, threats like ransomware and DDoS attacks remain a major concern. Strengthening healthcare IoT security through better defenses, access controls, and a security-first culture is essential to protecting patient data and care continuity.
Cybersecurity Measures for IoT in Healthcare
To strengthen healthcare IoT security and protect sensitive data, healthcare organizations must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures:
- Increase Awareness: Educate staff on IoT security vulnerabilities and potential threats such as ransomware and phishing.
- Implement Robust Authentication: Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric security to prevent unauthorized access to patient data and IoT healthcare devices.
- Apply the Principle of Least Privilege: Limit access to necessary information to reduce exposure to sensitive data.
Additionally, patients should be encouraged to ask questions about how their health data is protected and request transparency from providers about implemented cybersecurity measures.
Securing Internet-Connected Healthcare Devices
Healthcare IoT security relies on finding and protecting all internet-connected medical devices. This task becomes harder as more devices are used. Limited visibility into these devices increases the risk of exploitation and cybercrime.
To counter these threats, healthcare organizations must implement cybersecurity solutions that offer real-time device monitoring, hardware attack detection and mitigation.
Sepio supports companies with complete visibility into connected devices, detecting vulnerabilities like those exploited through USB interfaces. By leveraging Sepio’s advanced capabilities, healthcare providers can enhance healthcare IoT security, stop threats early, and ensure the integrity of patient systems.
Strengthening Healthcare IoT Security
Sepio is the only company in the world that verifies physical-layer data. It provides unmatched visibility into all IoT healthcare devices within a network. By identifying, detecting, and managing every connected device, Sepio ensures no IoT device is left unmanaged. This reduces security gaps and mitigates risks, increasing healthcare IoT security without relying on manual reports, out of date inventory records, or employee compliance to detect vulnerabilities. Sepio provides answers to questions such as:
- Do we have an IoT attack tool or spoofed device in our network?
- How many IoT devices do we have connected to our network?
- Who are the top 5 vendors for IoT devices found in our environment?
- Where are the most vulnerable switches in our network?
Schedule a Demo
Full visibility into IoT healthcare devices and IT assets significantly enhances an organization’s cybersecurity defense posture. With so much personal data already online, cybercriminals are always searching for opportunities. But should they have access to sensitive, non-public medical information?
Schedule a demo today to see how Sepio’s asset risk management solution secures IoT in healthcare and protects patient data.
