Data Protection and Privacy of the Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHTs)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging field consisting of Internet-based globally connected network architecture. A subset of IoT is the Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT) that consists of smart healthcare devices having significant importance in monitoring, processing, storing, and transmitting sensitive information. It is experiencing novel challenges regarding data privacy protection. This article discusses different components of IoHT and categorizes various healthcare devices based on their functionality and deployment. This article highlights the possible points and reasons for data leakage, such as conflicts in laws, the use of sub-standard devices, lack of awareness, and the non-availability of dedicated local law enforcement agencies. This article draws attention to the escalating demand for a suitable regulatory framework and analyzes compliance problems of IoHT devices concerning healthcare data privacy and protection regulations. Furthermore, the article provides some recommendations to improve the security and privacy of IoHT implementation.