Visibility of IoT assets is the foundation of effective network management and cybersecurity.
This is particularly important for the NHS, where IoT devices are deeply integrated into critical healthcare systems, mean the stakes are even higher.
From patient monitoring devices to smart hospital equipment, having a comprehensive view of all connected assets is essential for maintaining security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Whether your NHS Trust is already undergoing this process or your just starting your journey, we’ve pulled together some key points to consider and how they will help you, your team and your infrastructure.
Accurate Asset Inventory: Knowing Your Network Inside and Out
Imagine trying to manage security for a building without knowing what’s in each room. Accurate asset inventory helps you keep track of every device connected to your network — knowing where it’s located, what it’s used for, and how it behaves on the network.
With a complete inventory, it’s easier to prioritize protection for critical devices and spot any unauthorised, potentially rogue devices before they cause harm.
Proactive Threat Detection and Prevention
A connected device behaving oddly could signal a threat. Visibility into your IoT assets lets you detect strange behaviours like unauthorized access, malware attempts, or data breaches early on.
Catching threats early minimises the chances of major disruptions or data breaches, keeping your network, and sensitive data, safe.
Meeting Regulatory Compliance with Confidence
Healthcare is tightly regulated, with frameworks like GDPR requiring strong data protection. Knowing which devices access sensitive information ensures that you’re meeting compliance standards.
With a clear view of your assets, you can prove compliance and confidently manage devices that handle sensitive data.
Maintaining Operational Continuity in Healthcare
IoT devices are deeply woven into healthcare, so if one goes down, patient safety could be at risk. Compromised devices can disrupt services and slow down critical operations.
With continuous visibility, IT teams can keep devices running smoothly and address any issues before they impact patient care.
Efficient Response to Security Incidents
When a cybersecurity incident hits, knowing exactly where affected devices are makes a huge difference in containment.
Asset visibility speeds up response times, reducing the impact of breaches and helping IT teams contain issues more effectively.
Failing to Comply
Failing to maintain visibility over IoT assets can lead to serious risks in healthcare, where data security and uninterrupted operations are paramount. Without visibility, harmful activities, such as unauthorised access or malware infections, can go unnoticed, leaving the network vulnerable to breaches that could expose patient data or create entry points for larger attacks.
Unmonitored devices can create blind spots in the network, making it easier for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses. Additionally, shadow IT and forgotten devices increase vulnerability, amplifying the risk of security incidents that may go undetected until significant damage is done.
Beyond security risks, the lack of asset visibility complicates regulatory compliance, exposing organisations to potential fines and reputational damage if breaches go unreported. The impact on healthcare operations can be equally severe, as compromised IoT devices may disrupt critical services, putting patient safety at risk. In the event of a security incident, IT teams lacking clear visibility struggle to locate and contain affected devices efficiently, resulting in wasted resources and delays that can exacerbate the issue. Altogether, a lack of asset visibility not only endangers data security but also impedes effective incident response and operational continuity.
Asset visibility in IoT isn’t just about tracking devices – it’s about securing patient data, ensuring smooth healthcare operations, and meeting regulatory requirements. For the NHS and other healthcare providers, visibility into IoT assets helps protect their ecosystem, maintain operational integrity, and fulfill their mission to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare.
Visibility solutions like Gigamon, paired with tools like Cylera, Armis, and Forescout, offer comprehensive visibility that strengthens security and patient trust alike. To find out more about how these technologies can help you, speak to our team of cyber security experts on 03333 442204 or email hello@vizst.com.