PIONEERING HEALTHCARE: THE IMPACT OF IOT

The latest partnership between US-based Cylera and Oman’s telecommunication service provider Omantel will help Oman’s healthcare systems switch to digital technologies.

Omantel is playing a crucial role in helping Oman grow and transform digitally. They provide essential services like communication, internet connection, and digital services to businesses, individuals, and the government. Cylera specialises in cybersecurity for the Internet of Things (IoT). They have created a system that reduces the possibility of cyber-attacks and helps to safeguard patient information.

Omantel’s Chief Commercial Officer Aladdin Bait Fadhil says, “The partnership will greatly improve cybersecurity in growing connected environments and support Oman’s on-going digital transformation. The ultimate goal of this partnership is to provide the area with the most advanced digital healthcare solutions.”

Oman is looking forward to a big project to build 11 new hospitals in response to their increasing population. To ensure that Oman’s residents and citizens have access to healthcare, the Ministry of Health is in charge of this initiative. Between 2023 and 2025, these hospitals will be completed and located around the nation to assist people in different regions.

Timur Ozekcin, the CEO and Co-founder of Cylera, says, “Growing use of IoT (Internet of Things) and the Internet in medical devices (IoMT) is crucial for enhancing patient care and safety in the healthcare industry. However, hospitals must have a clear picture and knowledge of all linked devices, including those that are not monitored or known, because hackers frequently target healthcare organisations. This is required for properly evaluating the risks, implementing the necessary safeguards to secure patient data, and guarantee cybersecurity.”

In 2020, around 646 million new and existing devices were connected to hospital networks and thousands more were added yearly. This increase in Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices makes hospitals’ digital systems more complex and vulnerable to online attacks. To minimise cybersecurity risks and improve patient care, it is crucial to have effective management and monitoring of these devices on the network. The partnership will help to safeguard these cybersecurity risks and patient information.

Timur Ozekcin, the CEO and Co-founder of Cylera, added, “Cylera is privileged to collaborate closely with Omantel. Oman is a dynamic market for Cylera to operate in and is essential to our ambitious aspirations for global prosperity because of the region’s on-going investments in critical infrastructure.”