10 reasons internal audit can help manage risk associated with the internet of medical things (IoMT)

The internet of medical things (IoMT) has the potential to transform healthcare by connecting medical devices and applications to healthcare and telemedicine platforms through the internet. IoMT is an emerging healthcare trend in 2023 and plays a critical role in modern healthcare delivery, but like any technology, it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Conducting audits over IoMT is a crucial component of ensuring the security, compliance and overall reliability of IoMT systems and devices in a healthcare environment. Internal audits help healthcare organizations, device manufacturers and regulatory bodies assess and verify various aspects of IoMT implementation. 

10 key reasons why an internal audit over IoMT is beneficial

1. Security assessment 

Evaluate the security measures in place for IoMT devices and systems. This includes assessing vulnerabilities, penetration testing and ensuring that encryption, access controls and authentication mechanisms are robust enough to protect patient data and device integrity. 

2. Data privacy compliance 

Help organizations determine whether they are in compliance with data privacy regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Auditors can help determine whether patient data is handled and stored in a way that meets legal requirements. 

3. Interoperability validation  

Assess whether IoMT devices and systems are interoperable and whether they communicate effectively with each other and with existing healthcare infrastructure. This ensures that data flows smoothly and that devices can work together seamlessly.