Dangers of the Internet Of Things in your Clinic

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What is an IoT device?

IoT stands for the Internet of Things. It refers to everyday devices connected to the internet that can communicate with each other or be controlled remotely. Common examples found in clinics include:

• Smart TVs in waiting rooms

• Sonos speakers and other internet‑connected sound systems

• Digital signage screens

• IP surveillance cameras

• Voice assistants (such as Alexa or Google Home)

• Smart door locks and intercoms

• Wireless printers and scanners

Why are IoT devices a threat?

Most IoT devices:

• Are not built with enterprise‑level security in mind

• Use default usernames and passwords, which are rarely changed

• Do not have regular firmware updates

• Are difficult to monitor or audit effectively

Although these devices may seem harmless, if they share the same network as your clinical systems, they can become a weak link for hackers. In one case, a healthcare provider discovered that their smart TV was used as an entry point, allowing hackers to map the entire internal network.

Common mistakes clinics make

How to protect your clinic

A secure clinic starts with the right infrastructure. This includes:

• Business‑grade Wireless Access Points (such as Ruckus), which provide enhanced security, device management and signal isolation.

• Layer 3 network switches that enable advanced traffic segmentation and prevent unauthorised devices from communicating across networks—or connecting altogether.

Consumer‑grade routers and switches generally do not offer the control or visibility required in a clinical setting. In most cases, your internet service provider (ISP) will supply a basic modem‑router designed for one purpose: to get you online quickly and cheaply.

While that may be enough for a household, it is far from ideal for a medical environment that needs robust data security, access controls, audit logs and network segmentation. These low‑cost units often lack the sophistication to block rogue devices, enforce firewall rules or support layered access.

In contrast, enterprise‑level equipment, such as a Sophos firewall with built‑in routing, delivers:

• Deep packet inspection

• Intrusion prevention

• Application‑level controls

• VLAN and device segregation

This approach strengthens your clinic’s security posture and gives you the ability to monitor, restrict and respond to threats in real time. By using enterprise‑grade networking hardware, you can ensure only authorised, authenticated devices can access clinical systems. Read more about medical grade networks.

Best practice tips for Internet of Things devices

• Segregate IoT devices onto a guest or isolated VLAN network

• Change all default passwords immediately

• Regularly update firmware and review vulnerability alerts

• Avoid connecting unnecessary smart devices to clinical environments

• Log and monitor traffic from IoT devices using a firewall

What Is Medic Cloud’s approach?

We take a proactive approach by:

• Running network audits to detect unauthorised or rogue IoT connections

• Segregating smart devices from critical clinical infrastructure

• Advising on safe and approved smart technologies for medical environments

• Implementing firewall rules that block unnecessary communication

Moving forward

Cybersecurity threats aren’t always about hackers working from across the globe. Sometimes, the biggest risk is right in your own waiting room: a discounted smart TV connected to your clinical network.

With the right precautions and a proactive approach, you can secure your environment and protect both your patients and practice from IoT‑based threats. To learn more, speak to us today.

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