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By Alberto Jessurun / April 21, 2021 / Blog

Top 3 IoT Security Threats to Healthcare Facilities

The Internet of Things (IoT) can improve the healthcare delivery system significantly, but its devices also bring new security threats.

Key Takeaways

IoT devices post new threats because they have less built-in security, there are so many of them, and users don’t understand the necessary security best practices
The top security threats for healthcare IoT are data privacy breaches, DDoS attacks, and malware attacks
A knowledgeable technology provider can help protect your network from these IoT threats and more.

It’s no secret that the Internet of Things (IoT) has made life easier for just about everyone, from home monitoring devices to healthcare wearables. Smart devices can provide more instant, accurate data and keep patients and physicians in the know, improving the way healthcare is provided. Experts project that there will be 50 billion IoT connections by 2022.

However, the IoT has also brought many new security threats to networks. Because there are so many IoT devices circulating around healthcare facilities, and because sensitive patient information is stored within hospital networks, these risks are especially important to address within the healthcare sector.

Here are a few ways the IoT is being used in these settings, why these devices are less secure, and the top three IoT security threats facing healthcare today.

How the IoT is used in healthcare

Let’s first talk about the ways the IoT is changing healthcare settings. IoT devices help organizations combine big data and business decision-making. They can gather and report data like never before about services provided, wait times, customer satisfaction, and many other data points that provide more accurate real-time insight into the organization’s overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Hospital leaders can incorporate this information into decisions that help the organization improve and adapt to customer needs.

Another way healthcare is adopting the IoT is with new patient devices. Patients can be monitored continuously with IoT devices, delivering real-time information to doctors and nurses about any changes to their vitals.

For example, a wearable device like a watch or heart rate tracker can deliver moment-to-moment health information that helps physicians improve care with greater knowledge. Often, data gathered from mobile IoT devices is presented in a corresponding mobile app or other devices where it can be viewed instantly.

In addition to wearables like watches and fitness trackers, there are also devices like the BioPatch, which patients attach to their chest, that allow medical staff can monitor patient status even after they leave the hospital.

Why are IoT devices less secure?

It’s clear that IoT devices have many uses in healthcare that help physicians deliver better care and help the overall organization improve. But with any new technology, there are always learning curves and new threats to be aware of. Here are a few reasons why these devices are more vulnerable.

1. Lack of built-in security

IoT devices just don’t have the same level of security built into them as other connected devices, like smartphones or laptops. It can be more challenging for manufacturers to include security protections on these devices, and some are made quickly to meet market demand. There is no underlying security infrastructure for the IoT, so these devices are often left unprotected.

2. Number of IoT devices

There are so many ways IoT devices can contribute to better outcomes no matter the industry, but especially for healthcare. Many organizations are eager to start using these devices as soon as possible to improve care and gather more data, but with all the smart and mobile devices out there, it’s extremely challenging for healthcare networks to maintain the level of security and monitoring needed to fully protect against all the new security threats.

3. Lack of understanding

Even if an IoT device does have strong security features, often users don’t fully understand them. It’s harder for IT staff to ensure that connected devices are secure when there are so many of them coming in and out of the network, and the users themselves probably don’t have the knowledge necessary to set things up properly. This can quickly create chaos and extra vulnerabilities for hospital networks.

The 3 biggest IoT security threats to healthcare facilities

All of these vulnerabilities leave IoT devices open for attack. And attackers recognize that vulnerability and continue to come up with new ways to breach these devices. Here are the top three concerns to know about.

1. Data privacy

IoT devices bring new data privacy threats to hospitals. For example, many IoT devices are voice-activated, including smart speakers or even smart televisions. It’s alarming that these devices could potentially be recording conversations when they’re in the room, even if they’re not technically turned on. This can create an issue for healthcare organizations, where the privacy of patient and medical data is crucial.

2. DDoS attacks

Because IoT devices are often left vulnerable, the risk of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks increases. A DDoS attack occurs when botnets take over thousands and thousands of connected devices to swarm a network so that service is disrupted and unavailable. DDoS attacks involving IoT devices have been increasing, and healthcare organizations can’t afford to let their networks be compromised.

3. Malware attacks

Hackers are also breaking into IoT devices to infect them with malware. This can let them use these devices as bots to contribute to the aforementioned DDoS attacks, or they can send around more malware. Some types of malware freeze a device, so it is completely inaccessible. Data is put at risk if these attacks are successful.

As the IoT and devices within it continue to become more sophisticated, attackers will continue to alter their approach to find new vulnerabilities. Healthcare organizations must stay aware of these issues, educate employees and guests about proper use of devices, and implement extra protections like multi-factor authentication and practices to ensure software is always up to date.

Working with Unisol International

Unisol International helps healthcare and other organizations create security solutions that protect against the most pressing threats. We distribute security products and network equipment around the globe that help the healthcare industry respond to changes with the right technologies and tools.

We specialize in electronic security, and our online catalog makes it fast and easy to find the right products for you. We are always compliant with trade regulations, export licenses, and regulatory issues in our industry.

Contact Unisol International to learn more about how we help with digital security.

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