Medical Device Security: Safeguarding Connected Devices in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

Healthcare organizations face a wide range of cyber challenges. These challenges include budget constraints for IT, ensuring full data compliance, dealing with an increased risk of cyber-attacks, and safeguarding highly sensitive medical data. With the digitalization of the healthcare industry, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has emerged as a significant area of growth. Connected devices, such as remote patient monitoring devices and hospital sensors, have significantly improved healthcare outcomes for patients.

However, IoMT devices also pose a significant security concern. The number of healthcare organizations targeted by cyber-attacks has risen by 90% in just three months. Shockingly, data from Irdeto reveals that 80% of med tech firms have experienced a cyber-attack in the past five years. The proliferation of new connected devices in large networks has further exposed healthcare organizations to cyber-attacks. These facts give rise to alarming thoughts. The only solution to the problem is to take care of medical device security.

How to protect IOMT?

Implementing a strong base of general security best practices is crucial for IoMT devices. These practices should encompass well-defined incident response plans, conducting tabletop exercises, and utilizing a monitoring solution that involves human oversight to detect any anomalies in device logs.

#1 Global approach

Healthcare systems must holistically consider vulnerability remediation. Even if a patch is unavailable, there may still be options for configuration or behavior changes that can effectively mitigate or eliminate the risk associated with a specific vulnerability.

Healthcare organizations should reserve the use of micro-segmentation as a last resort, only when other solutions are not available. It is not advisable to rely on micro-segmentation as the primary security strategy.

#2 VPN protection

A VPN can be a significant help in protecting connected medical devices. In particular, it allows you to encrypt data before sending it. With a good VPN provider like VeePN, all data will be encrypted before it is sent or received. It uses a 256-bit cipher that is unbreakable. You can also install a VPN for Safari on medical staff’s computers to hide their real IP addresses and protect against DDoS or phishing attacks.

#3 Correct prioritization

Prioritizing ruthlessly is crucial. With an overwhelming number of new vulnerabilities, it is impossible to address every minor vulnerability or micro-segment of every device.

The key is to concentrate on the most severe issues that affect the most critical devices. This involves evaluating the vulnerability’s risk, the likelihood of exploitation on a specific device, and the device’s significance to your operations.

#4 Focus on preventative protection

To prevent security issues, it is crucial to avoid their creation from the outset. This necessitates considering cybersecurity risks early in the procurement process. While some organizations already prioritize this, there is a tendency for security team involvement to devolve into mere compliance theater, which fails to provide meaningful assistance.

Alternatively, a more effective approach involves analyzing real-world technical data to assess device behavior. Additionally, evaluating the manufacturer’s overall security track record is beneficial. This includes assessing their responsiveness to security issues and timely release of patches.

#5 Automated session management

Healthcare organizations can enhance their security by implementing a session management tool. It works in real-time and constantly analyzes network activity. If any actions seem suspicious to him, the system will block the connection until the circumstances are clarified. With automatic threat response, you’ll be prepared even if someone else breaks into your network. Cybersecurity must be multi-layered since we do not know at what point we will be able to stop a hacker.

Conclusion

During the pandemic, the healthcare industry has been transformed by IoMT, but the widespread adoption of new systems and devices has also brought new challenges and risks. Vulnerable networks have become prime targets for cybercriminals, necessitating swift action from the entire healthcare industry to strengthen defenses.