By 2032, IoT-enabled medical devices – or the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) – is expected to be worth $822.54 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights. This rapid growth is due to IoT’s potential to enhance safety and efficiency in healthcare. However, with this opportunity comes an inevitable challenge: the growing risk of cyber threats. […]
By 2032, IoT-enabled medical devices – or the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) – is expected to be worth $822.54 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights.
This rapid growth is due to IoT’s potential to enhance safety and efficiency in healthcare. However, with this opportunity comes an inevitable challenge: the growing risk of cyber threats.
Several health and care services have been improved with the help of IoT. One area where it’s making a real difference is lone worker protection.
Whether visiting patients at home, responding to emergencies, or providing support in remote areas, many healthcare and social care professionals spend their days working alone, which can put them at risk.
With GPS-enabled devices, wearable panic alarms, and mobile apps, lone workers can quickly call for help if they ever feel unsafe or require assistance.
These systems can also incorporate features such as automated check-ins and geofencing, which create virtual boundaries around a specific location. If a worker leaves a designated area or fails to check in at a scheduled time, supervisors are immediately alerted. By making it easier to stay connected and protected, IoT helps to both speed up emergency response times and create safer working conditions.
In senior care, IoT has also made significant strides, particularly in fall monitoring. Traditionally, pendants or wristbands required users to press a button to notify caregivers or emergency services after a fall.
Now, IoT-powered devices can use motion sensors and AI to automatically detect falls and send alerts without user input. This increased reliability enables faster response times, reducing the risk of serious injury.
IoT-powered technology is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or conditions like dementia, as it allows caregivers to provide support while preserving the individual’s independence.
Recognising the risks
While IoT technology offers major benefits, it also introduces new cybersecurity challenges that healthcare providers must address. SMEs are particularly vulnerable, as limited resources often prevent them from implementing advanced security measures.
According to the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 50% of businesses reported a cybersecurity breach in the last year—a figure that rises to 70% for medium-sized businesses.
The rise of the IoT hyperscaler and what this means for enterprise
One of the primary risks is data breaches. IoT-enabled medical devices collect and transmit sensitive patient data, making them a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to steal personal health information. A breach of patient data can have serious consequences, both in terms of patient privacy and the financial impact on healthcare organisations.
Another growing threat is ransomware. In a ransomware attack, cybercriminals lock access to critical healthcare data and demand payment to restore it. The inability to access patient information or connected devices can severely disrupt care delivery, compromise patient safety, and cause significant downtime.
IoT devices are also at risk of network-based attacks. Many healthcare IoT devices are interconnected, and an attack on one device could grant cybercriminals access to the entire network. This could lead to data exposure, medical service disruptions, or even the manipulation of critical medical devices.
Given these security risks, it is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure that their IoT-enabled devices are properly secured and that their entire network is protected from cyber threats.
Prioritising security
As IoT adoption in healthcare grows, so does the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. Keeping devices secure is a critical first step.
Ensuring software is regularly updated and using encrypted connections can help prevent vulnerabilities. Limiting access to authorised personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) also adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Human error remains one of the biggest security threats, making cybersecurity training essential. Training health and care workers to recognise phishing scams, use strong passwords, and follow best practices for device management can prevent many common cyber risks.
Beyond internal precautions, choosing a trusted technology provider is key. Not all IoT solutions are designed with security in mind, so it’s advisable to work with a provider that prioritises data protection, compliance, and ongoing support.
Additionally, choosing a managed services provider can offer further support and peace of mind, as all products are installed, set up, and monitored by the provider. This end-to-end service allows healthcare companies to focus on delivering essential services rather than technology concerns.
The future of healthcare is digital, with IoT playing a vital role in improving patient outcomes and standards of care, as well as safeguarding health and care professionals.
But with digital threats also on the rise, cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. By taking steps to secure their systems, educating staff, and working with reliable partners, health and care providers can embrace IoT with confidence.
