Healthcare IoT Security Buyers Shift Focus From Tools To Measurable Outcomes

Healthcare organizations are scrutinizing IoT security platforms more closely as connected medical devices play an increasingly critical role in patient care and hospital operations, according to a new KLAS Research report. As hospitals deploy more networked clinical devices and operational technologies, security teams are under pressure to maintain real-time visibility while reducing manual work and alert fatigue.

KLAS found that buyers are shifting their evaluation criteria toward measurable outcomes, such as faster risk remediation, stronger actionability, and seamless integration with existing security workflows. The analysis assessed vendors including Armis, Asimily, Axonius (formerly Cynerio), Claroty, Forescout, ORDR, and Palo Alto Networks, concluding that while approaches vary, no single vendor fully meets customer expectations. Basic asset discovery is no longer sufficient—organizations want richer context, including accurate device classification, consistent tagging, and clear ownership mapping, to enable faster and more confident responses when risks emerge.

Integration remains a major challenge. Although most platforms connect to tools like SIEM and network detection and response systems, customers report difficulty operationalizing those integrations. KLAS senior insights director Jennifer Hickenlooper said weak integration increases alert noise, erodes trust in data, and slows response workflows, while strong integration makes IoT visibility actionable and scalable. Healthcare organizations increasingly view tight connections to core security tools—such as SIEM, NDR, NAC, CMMS, and ServiceNow—as essential.

The report suggests healthcare IoT security is entering a more mature phase, where buyers expect platforms to deliver tangible risk reduction rather than isolated point solutions. Vendors that combine deep visibility, reliable integration, and practical automation are best positioned to succeed. While AI-driven automation is still early, customers see it as a promising path to reducing alert fatigue and speeding remediation, provided it aligns with broader organizational cybersecurity strategies.