Technological advancements are helping revolutionize the healthcare ecosystem, with the Internet of Things (IoT) taking center stage as one of the most innovative technologies playing crucial roles in optimizing medical processes. However, the major challenge with the adoption of IoT medical devices is security. Implementing robust IoT healthcare security measures to safeguard your medical IoT infrastructure is essential as the risks associated with the technology continue to grow. The market value of the Internet of Things for healthcare hit a staggering $99 billion over the last few years, making it one of the fastest-growing industries, projected to hit $480 billion by 2031. Prioritizing medical device IoT security is a great way to protect patient data and minimize the threats of cyberattacks that often challenge healthcare organizations.

How to Improve Your Medical Business IoT Device Security

From smart homes to healthcare, IoT devices make a substantial impact on major industries. Unfortunately, the proliferation of the technology comes with significant security risks. Boosting IoT device security is especially vital in healthcare to maintain patient trust and ensure compliance. The following points outline the best practices for improving medical IoT devices security in your healthcare business.

1. Secure Your Cloud Platforms

Cloud platforms are the preferred methods of storing data for many medical organizations and other businesses. Securing your cloud platforms should be a primary concern for healthcare leaders who want to protect their organizations from data breaches. You can enhance your cloud platform security by using authentication controls, such as multi-factor authentication, changing passwords regularly, and properly managing permissions and user credentials.

2. Encrypt Data and Update Your Software and Firmware

Encryption is a vital component in protecting data stored and transmitted by IoT-enabled devices. It ensures that data remains unreadable to unauthorized users in the event of a system compromise. Employing industry-leading encryption protocols will help fortify your IoT medical device security. Medical businesses are also advised to regularly update their software and firmware to boost security. IoT medical device manufacturers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities in existing systems. Keeping up with new updates can prevent security loopholes that can compromise your patients’ safety. Automating updates is a great strategy to counteract emerging threats.

3. Collaborate with IoT Medical Security Experts

IoT experts such as Empeek help medical businesses transform their healthcare IoT security. Collaborating with IoT companies will help you address common healthcare security issues that negatively impact customers’ experience and decrease efficiency. IoT security professionals can recommend practical security tips that your facility can adopt to ensure that sensitive patient data and your IT network stay safe. You can read this post here to learn more about the best practices to protect your medical IoT devices.

4. Establish Robust Security Framework

It’s essential for hospitals and clinics to develop comprehensive security frameworks that encompass every facet of IoT device security. Thi includes, but is not limited to using robust access controls, implementing network segmentation and identifying IoT vulnerabilities in healthcare. Establishing robust security frameworks like these will ensure that your organization has the highest level of security. IoT medical devices should be strictly monitored and access controls should be set up appropriately.

Over 1,400 cyberattacks hit healthcare organizations in 2022 worldwide, a 74 percent increase from 2021. Enhancing healthcare IoT security is a complex but vital task for healthcare business administrators. Fortunately, you can reduce the risks of data breaches by implementing the above tips to protect sensitive patient data.