In my experience with IoT, I have witnessed firsthand its rapid growth, particularly in sectors like healthcare. Over the years, through my interactions with clients, colleagues, and the wider industry, I’ve observed how integral IoT has become across various fields. One such sector is the medical industry, which increasingly relies on connected devices to enhance patient care.
However, this dependence on IoT also comes with significant risks, as demonstrated by the recent cyberattack on South Africa’s healthcare facilities, detailed in this article: Cyberattack Crisis: NHLS Hack Continues to Cause Chaos in South Africa Healthcare Facilities (https://www.meded.co.za/DocumentPart/?id=6296).
While IoT itself may not have been directly responsible for the crisis, it remains a critical component of the healthcare sector’s digital infrastructure. From medical devices to real-time monitoring tools, IoT is deeply woven into the fabric of modern healthcare.
This connection brings us to the rapidly expanding Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), valued at $394 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.2% by 2030. Advances in affordable processors, sensors, and real-time data access are accelerating this growth, driving industries toward higher operational efficiency, automation, and improved collaboration.
However, as the number of connected devices increases, so does the attack surface for cyber threats. The security challenges that come with these devices cannot be overstated. Many IoT devices are inherently vulnerable due to weak authentication, unpatched firmware, and insufficient encryption. As IoT adoption grows in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure, these vulnerabilities present significant risks, including data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses.
Particularly concerning are the risks posed by Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices. These connected medical devices, ranging from infusion pumps to implantable cardiac devices, are susceptible to cyberattacks that could compromise patient safety and data integrity. In the face of these growing threats, healthcare providers must prioritise security by design—integrating robust encryption, continuous vulnerability assessments, and secure firmware updates into the development and deployment of IoMT devices. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and NIST have issued guidelines, but the need for a more comprehensive, industry-wide approach to IoMT security remains urgent.
To address these growing risks, it’s critical that manufacturers, developers, and organisations adopt a security-by-design approach. This includes implementing stronger authentication, ensuring secure communication protocols, and regularly updating devices and software. As IoT continues to expand, particularly in healthcare, proactive security practices will be essential to safeguard both patient data and the devices that facilitate patient care.
Now is the time for organisations to prioritise the security of their IoT ecosystems. By addressing key vulnerabilities outlined by the OWASP IoT Top 10, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we don’t compromise on security in our pursuit of innovation—particularly when lives are at stake. Let’s ensure that IoT is not just about advancing technology, but doing so in a way that protects users and ensures their safety.