The IoT & Healthcare systems

As you may know,  the  Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to enable seamless data exchange and connectivity with other devices and systems over the Internet.

Typically a physical device or a software platform is used as a hub to connect all IoT devices and facilitate their communication. A great analogy would be to think of an airline hub which concentrates passenger traffic and flight operations. In a similar way , a hub in IoT is a central point that connects all IoT devices and enables them to communicate with each other. 

In today’s interconnected world, IoT systems are used in several industries. This is why we must take as much of a security conscious approach as we can when we implement these systems . Why do you ask? The answer is simple. It is imperative to ensure we are decreasing the attack surface to minimize the likelihood of any potential cyberattack on our organizations network.

It’s considered best practice to maintain IoT device on a distinct network. The rationale behind this recommendation is simple yet crucial: in the event of a compromise to any smart device, it prevents the attacker from gaining immediate access to the primary network where the bulk of valuable data resides. By introducing an additional layer of security through a separation of networks, the attacker is required to navigate across two distinct levels, demanding a higher level of effort and thereby fortifying your organizations overall security posture.

Why do I mention all of this? Well,  I’d like to focus on the importance of Healthcare IoT security as an example in the real world today. 

In recent years surveys have confirmed the security vulnerabilities of medical devices connected to the internet and attracted the public’s attention to IoT security in healthcare. Patient safety is the most critical concern in healthcare. Even a small change in the vital metrics collected by medical devices, such as pulse oximeters or glucose meters, can significantly impact patient care and lead to potentially fatal consequences. What if a hacker alters the operational modes of these medical devices? Penetrating a hospital network and accessing other medical equipment through a single device is a negative yet realistic scenario.

Traditional firewalls and antivirus software are no longer adequate to ensure comprehensive protection for our systems. Healthcare organizations must explore alternative methods for detecting both known and unknown threats. Furthermore, the presence of outdated equipment presents additional challenges to the security of Healthcare IoT. While the replacement of aged medical equipment may entail significant costs, using such equipment for extended periods may render them non-compliant with modern security standards, making them vulnerable to attacks. The plausible scenario of infiltrating a hospital network and accessing other medical devices through a single vulnerable device underscores the potential for severe consequences. In light of these considerations, investing in enhanced security measures to safeguard our healthcare system may indeed be a prudent decision, as the strength of a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Written by Tomasz Erb