Leaders of most health care organizations agree that IO T is going to be a technology driver in the future. About 95% of the leaders believed that they needed IoT in the health care organization. We may see an increase in the application of IoT and AI in healthcare in 2021. However, IoT in healthcare security is going to be a tricky issue. Most importantly, firms need to tread a fine line between security and functionality.
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An overview of IoT devices used in healthcare.
There are two kinds of IoT devices in healthcare:
- Internal IoT devices.
- External IoT devices.
The internal IoT devices are implanted inside the body of a patient. On the other hand, the external IOT devices are those that reside outside a patient.
Internal IoT devices.
One of the most common examples of implantable medical devices are the hearing aids. However, there are many other types of internal or implantable devices such as:
- Artificial pacemakers.
- Cardiac defibrillators.
- Cochlear implants.
- Bone implants
- Gastric implants.
- Insulin pumps
External IoT devices.
Healthcare professionals use the external IoT devices are to deliver their services. Some of these devices are:
- Diagnosis devices like X Ray and ultrasound.
- Life support systems.
- Patient bed.
- Health monitoring systems.
- Other auxiliary systems installed in the health care facility.
Why security is highly important in IoT in healthcare?
Firstly, external medical devices are easily accessible. It makes it far easier for the intruder to gain access to these devices. Secondly, most of these devices were not designed in mind keeping the security aspect. In fact, most of the devices such as X-ray, ECG typically don’t have a password,. There is an underlying assumption that the staff has full control over the devices.
Thirdly, it is very difficult to upgrade older devices to match with the current standards. This would make a lot of devices that are already existent highly vulnerable for future attacks. Any system is as vulnerable as its weakest link.
Fourthly, an finally, many of the establishments can be accessed by a smart card reader. Although Smart Card readers allow for the. Establishments to have segregated workspaces and access areas. However, it is not a foolproof method. Smart cards can be copied and they can be used.
Strategy for IoT in healthcare security
A robust security strategy would go a long way in saving the systems from all sorts of attacks. There are several ways in which a health care provider can ensure maximum security for its devices. Some of these steps are:
- Minimize the physical visibility of the devices. Any device that can have access restrictions like locks, passwords, must use them.
- Ensure that security and access are finely defined. A nurse may have access to a floor and computer on reception. However, access to sensitive data may be restricted as per the prerogative of the organization.
- Install an access gateways that forms a barrier between your system and the external network.
- Implement security patch and update policy across organization.
- Develop a fighting strategy against an ongoing attack. Also devise plans for post attack system audit.
- Ensure data audits to maintain data integrity.
What your organization should watch out for?
- Attacks on data. It can range from a simple SQL injection attack on your website to a complicated one involving advanced intrusion tools.
- Ransomware attacks. There are three steps to secure yourself. Firstly, install anti-ransomware enterprise-wide. Most antivirus programs include them including Windows Defender. Secondly, ensure all the staff strictly follow guidelines regarding external links and files. Thirdly, implement an automatic backup policy for all files and data.
- Secure yourself against the ‘medjacking’ attacks. In these types of attacks, a medical device can be used to gain entry into the computers.