Digital solutions are improving healthcare through increased efficiencies at a lower costs.
A recent study found that 99% of global respondents from the sector are using big data, 94% have a blockchain project implemented or are in the process of implementing one, and 96% are using IoT technologies – clearly a huge growth market. Despite this, the reliance on the digital in the industry is concurrently introducing more security risks. The 2018 Thales health-care data threat report exemplified this, finding that a staggering 70% of global health-care organizations have been hit by a data breach at some point.
What are the risks?
There number of connected medical devices used within health-care facilities is growing year on year, with devices being used for an evermore diverse array of tasks. Devices can now actively capture, transmit and record patient medical data, which, as a result, is causing issues for stakeholders in terms of data privacy and security. Because of this, commentators recognize the need for encryption to ensure that data and communications between medical devices cannot be easily intercepted. Highly personal data simply cannot be at risk.
Medical devices also have the capability to actively administer drugs or physical care to a patient, which could affect patient health. Connected infusion pumps, for example, are used to administer drugs at set dosages. The threat here is from non-trained users getting access to these systems an altering dosages to patients. Safeguards are needed to ensure that only the care provider with the authority to change dosage has the ability to do so.
Is Digitization Suitable?
Despite the security issues, it is argued that the benefits of IoT in healthcare clearly outweigh the risks.
The smart medical devices market is expected to reach $25 billion by 2025, with the ultimate goal of the industry’s digitization being improvements to the health of patients, heightened levels of treatment satisfaction, and an increase in treatment speed and efficiency.
In line with these huge opportunities for innovators in the sector, providers and investors must keep cybersecurity at the forefront of developmental practices. Without the proper infrastructure and systems in place for the protection of patients, devices and data, all those involved with the industry (and IoT in general in all honesty) will never be able to maximize the capabilities of the IoT , and truly reap the benefits.
Where We Fit In
Our mission is to be the world’s premiere IoT solution provider for device management. Our technology removes traditional barriers of interoperability, time, and adaptability. In doing so, we are poised to help shape the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ by bridging the gap between inflexible business information systems, wearables and all of IoT. To learn more about our unique and disruptive IoT management platform and how it can be applied to your industry or business practices, visit this link.
