From the comfort of smart homes and the convenience of wearable devices to the intelligent operations of manufacturing systems and the functionality of smart cities, the Internet of Things (IoT) serves as the connective tissue of a digitally unified world. While a hallmark of modern innovation, this proliferation of interconnectivity also introduces a multifaceted set of cybersecurity challenges that necessitate vigilant attention and robust countermeasures. 

Leading the charge to secure this interconnected world, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a global frontrunner in defining standards, has crafted extensive guidelines to mitigate cybersecurity risks. This article will illuminate the pervasive influence of IoT across industrial and manufacturing contexts, focusing on Industrial IoT (or IIoT). Further, it will dissect these crucial NIST documents, translating their intricate technical specifics into understandable insights. 

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In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed the role of technology and HIPAA (related explicitly to HITECH regulations). However, the growth of intelligent devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a sea change in how Covered Entities (CEs) and Business Associates (BAs) manage their patients. Likewise, it adds new wrinkles to how these organizations manage their compliance requirements under HIPAA. 

Here, we’ll discuss some of the overlaps between HIPAA requirements and risks posed by smart, IoT-based devices. 

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