The Internet of Things (IoT) is estimated to reach 35.82 billion connected devices by 2030, with healthcare accounting for approximately 10% of that total. While all sectors grapple with the security implications posed by this advanced technology, the healthcare industry is at particular risk because of its complex landscape and the sheer number of interconnected gadgets. With 2025 HIPAA updates and emerging HIPAA subregulatory guidance, ensuring IoT security has become more critical than ever. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices to keep your IoT devices secure in compliance with current standards.

Increase network security

To protect vulnerable devices that don’t have integrated controls, administrators should consider disconnecting them from the internet for patient care. If a device must stay connected, you can collaborate with vendors to determine where it needs to connect and only grant access through an allowlist. This way, networks remain secure while still allowing the necessary connections.

You can also protect your systems by blacklisting any malicious sites, segmenting public networks from the rest of the infrastructure, and limiting access to assets on a virtual LAN. Administrators may further restrict traffic flow between departments for additional security. As of 2024-2025, healthcare organizations should implement Zero Trust architecture for all IoT devices, ensuring that no device is inherently trusted regardless of network location.

Monitor assets and devices

To quickly identify potential security risks, creating a comprehensive list of all devices connected to the network is essential. However, with guests and patients logging in too, it can be difficult to keep tabs on them all. Investing in inventory tools that monitor connected devices and their specifications, such as operating system type, could prove invaluable for your organization’s security posture.

In 2025, the HHS Office for Civil Rights emphasized the importance of device inventory management. Implement continuous monitoring solutions that track firmware versions, security patches, and vulnerability assessments for all IoT medical devices.

Encrypt patient data

Encrypting electronic health records is an ideal way to protect your patients and organization from potential data breaches. Encryption guarantees that confidential data remains inaccessible to hackers even if it’s intercepted during transmission or storage. Current 2025 HIPAA standards require AES-256 encryption for all sensitive health information both in transit and at rest.

Implement multifactor authentication (MFA)

With MFA, users must provide more than just their username and password to prove their identity. This could be a PIN or a verification code sent over SMS or biometric data such as fingerprints or retina scans. MFA provides an extra layer of security to your networks and devices, making it difficult for hackers to gain access to accounts containing vital patient information. The 2025 HIPAA guidance recommends MFA for all administrative access to IoT devices and patient data systems.

Use IoT security tools

With the surge of IoT technology, many vendors are now offering several security tools that assist network administrators with inventory tracking, traffic management, and network visibility. From authentication control to data stream regulation, these solutions offer timely detection of potential threats before any damage can be done. Modern solutions in 2024-2025 incorporate AI-powered anomaly detection and automated compliance reporting aligned with HIPAA requirements.

Are you looking to enhance the IoT security of your healthcare organization while maintaining HIPAA compliance? Our security specialists stay current with the latest 2025-2026 standards. Call us today to ensure your IoT infrastructure meets all regulatory requirements.