Whether it’s in your facility, in a patient’s home, or a device worn on the patient, medical devices connected to the IoMT have become a major part of our healthcare system. They provide additional insights and assist healthcare professionals in a variety of day-to-day tasks. On top of that, they ensure that patient’s needs are met quickly. However, one of the biggest concerns with the IoMT infrastructure in a facility is its security. Here is what you need to know about the IoMT and how your facility can be prepared against cyber warfare attacks.
What is IoMT?
At its most basic, the IoMT or Internet of Medical Things includes all data-receiving equipment and devices that share information through the internet. This can include anything from MRI and X-ray technology to Remote Patient Monitoring devices used while a patient is in their home. In fact, the IoMT can include wearable or attachable devices that monitor how your patients are doing, no matter where they are.
Outsourcing Insight explains that there are many benefits to the IoMT, including accessibility for both patients and providers, a decrease in healthcare costs, ease of implementation, and increased efficiency in your facility. As we move more and more towards technology in our facilities, the IoMT becomes increasingly important.
However, there are always concerns with every beneficial improvement. For IoMT, the major concern is security, especially when it comes to cyber warfare.
How to Prevent Cyber Warfare Attacks in Your Facility
First of all, one of the concerns that a facility may have with cyber warfare is just how many different devices are connected through the IoMT. With varying types of devices, software, and capabilities, it is vital to improve security measures to prevent cyber warfare attacks against your healthcare organization.
According to Martyn Crew, during a live HIMSS event, keeping an ongoing inventory of the devices in your facility and the traffic going to and from these devices is crucial. When you see unusual spikes or anomalies in your traffic and usage, this can be an indication of an IoMT cyber attack.
In addition, you should also trust the vendors from which you are purchasing IoMT devices. Understanding just how much access these vendors have and what data they may be able to see is absolutely necessary when it comes to cyber security.
Lastly, keeping your software up to date with additional patches that improve security or get rid of bugs is absolutely necessary to prevent cyber warfare. Working with cloud-based solutions, like Notivate’s platform, puts the onus of updates on your trusted vendor partner, and keeping your technology in the IoMT up to date is one of the easiest ways to prevent future complications.
Although you may not be able to know absolutely everything that is going on in your technological devices, ensuring you have the security measures in place, capable IT staff who understands cyber security and trusted vendor partners can help prevent cyber warfare issues in the future.
How Can Notivate Help?
Here at Notivate, we know that security is a huge concern for your facility. That’s why we provide top-notch security measures such as end-to-end encryption, confirmations for message deliveries, and more. If you want to see how the Notivate platform can take your healthcare facility to the next level, schedule a demo today.
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