Healthcare IoT Security: Risks, Challenges, and the Best Practices

  May 2, 2024

IoT, or the internet of things, is not new to the world. It refers to the interconnectivity of various technological devices and how they communicate. It is also present in the healthcare sector, where software, applications, platforms, and the cloud share data accessibility, analytics, interpretation, and more. This enables telemedicine, health conferences, distribution of health information, and more. 

However, the IoT in the healthcare sector is affected by many security threats just as is the case in other sectors. A few years ago, there was a surge in malware attacks, and today, there are even worse security threats to deal with. So, how can one address all the security loopholes that are present today? 

This article will examine the security issues around IoT, risks, and other challenges and will offer the best solutions. Read on to discover more.

Top IoT Security Risks in Healthcare

It is good to start by introducing the common risks surrounding IoT in the healthcare sector. This will not only help those who are already using IoT devices but also those who are planning to start using telemedicine. 

  • Device vulnerability to hackers – One of the biggest risks in healthcare IoT is the vulnerability of devices. This opens the entire system to various exploitations by malicious users and external hackers. This threat increases when devices lack passwords, have weak authentications, or use unpatched app or software security protocols, opening an opportunity to hackers and malicious people.
  • Poor network security – IoT heavily relies on a network to communicate and collaborate in other ways. If the network does not have a firewall or secure protocols, it can be infiltrated by hackers. Some just want to corrupt the information being transmitted while others steal the information. 
  • Lack of data privacy and confidentiality – It is also possible for IoT systems to lack data privacy measures, exposing all data to unwanted access, theft, corruption, and any other malicious use. This has been a big issue with various apps and software developed and deployed online by developers with limited experience. Instead, try qualified developers such as Empeek to avoid such a challenge. 
  • Failed legal compliance – Some IoT systems may fail to comply with HIPAA and other regulatory requirements, which exposes operations to a lot of risks. In fact, the government may close it down until compliance is achieved. This can derail any telemedicine business or healthcare service in many ways. 

Common Healthcare IoT Challenges 

Apart from direct risks in healthcare IoT operations, there are other issues that affect operations negatively. Let us look at them here.

  • Data security – We have already mentioned data security as one of the biggest risks in healthcare IoT. It is a main challenge as well, and if it is not addressed, it can make patients reluctant to supply their data, which will also make telemedicine impossible. Data security issues occur in many ways such as malicious access due to poor authentication of devices. 
  • Diverse IoT ecosystem – The IoT arena is very diverse; thus, healthcare providers often have a hard time choosing the best solutions. Each provider promises to offer a differentiated solution with unique features. The biggest challenge occurs when some of them cannot meet the basic standards you need to operate. 
  • Unsupportive regulations – Although many developed countries have strict measures and regulations to govern the development and use of IoT systems, others have yet to come up with measures that make these operations smooth. This has reduced the adoption of IoT in healthcare and also exposes the existing solutions to many challenges. 

Best Practices in Healthcare IoT

Even with all these risks and challenges, experts in healthcare IoT do recommend various practices to ensure telemedicine thrives. The healthcare sector can adopt and implement many of these while waiting for the authorities to do their part. Here are the best practices.

  • Develop software through compliant developers – If you are looking for the best healthcare IoT app and software developer, ensure they are compliant with the law. It should be a top consideration as you also check their reputation in producing the most secure and functional systems for your business. 
  • Secure data and have data privacy measures in place – Ensuring that patients’ data or any other data is secure and only accessed by authorized users and systems is very essential. This will give your healthcare center a good reputation and build trust among your patients. All you need is to set working data security measures and ensure they work at all times. Also, set authorization and access rights correctly. Data encryption is a must too. 
  • Train IoT system users – Human error or misuse of data by IoT users can be a result of poor or no training. The best practice is to train all users in the best way to use the systems and data. Ensure they uphold data security and privacy at all times. 

Conclusion

Do you have a healthcare facility that uses IoT systems or intends to use them? It is clear that there are many challenges and issues facing this technology. But there are equally many things that you can do to make it work seamlessly. This article has highlighted all that you should know. Take note.




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