ISO/TR 22696:2020
(Main)Health informatics — Guidance on the identification and authentication of connectable Personal Healthcare Devices (PHDs)
Health informatics — Guidance on the identification and authentication of connectable Personal Healthcare Devices (PHDs)
The document gives guidance for managing healthcare service security using connectable personal health devices. This document considers unidirectional data uploading from the PHD to the gateway (manager device), however, there are many clinical use cases for bidirectional data exchange. This document is applicable to identification and authentication between the bidirectionally connected PHDs and gateway by providing possible use cases and the associated threats and vulnerabilities. Since some smart devices with mobile healthcare apps and software might connect to the healthcare service network, these devices will be considered connectable PHDs in this document. This document addresses those devices used in a homecare setting, where the knowledge and capabilities regarding the use of PHDs might not be as advanced as in other healthcare settings. This document excludes specific protocols, methods and technical solutions for identification and authentication.
Informatique de santé — Lignes directrices pour l'identification et l'authentification des dispositifs de soins de santé personnels connectables
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 22696
First edition
2020-05
Health informatics — Guidance on
the identification and authentication
of connectable Personal Healthcare
Devices (PHDs)
Informatique de santé — Lignes directrices pour l'identification
et l'authentification des dispositifs de soins de santé personnels
connectables
Reference number
ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 5
5 Information security objectives in healthcare and PHDs . 5
6 Security vulnerabilities and threats of PHDs. 5
6.1 Security vulnerabilities of PHDs . 5
6.2 Security threats of PHDs . 6
7 Identification and authentication for connectable PHDs . 7
7.1 General . 7
7.2 Person or entity identification and authentication . 7
7.2.1 Objectives . 7
7.2.2 User or entity registration procedure . 7
7.2.3 Device identification and authentication . 8
7.2.4 Human user identification and authentication . 8
7.2.5 Authentication information management . 8
7.3 Application, identification and authentication. 9
7.3.1 Objectives . 9
7.3.2 Unique Identification and Authentication . 9
7.3.3 Application, firmware and information integrity . 9
7.3.4 Secure upgrade . 9
7.3.5 Input validation . . .10
7.3.6 Information confidentiality .10
7.4 Access control .10
7.4.1 Objectives .10
7.4.2 Secure log-on procedures .10
7.4.3 Emergency account .11
7.4.4 Automatic log-off .11
7.4.5 Device lock .12
Annex A (informative) Mapping to other standards .13
Bibliography .15
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
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World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 215, Health informatics.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
Introduction
An increasing number of Personal Health Devices (PHDs) are designed to exchange information
electronically with other health IT systems in the user environment, and such information is frequently
exchanged through the internet, which is publicly open to various types of data.
Various PHDs are connected through the network, and the needs for a secure bidirectional connection
for the new PHDs are getting more attention. Security threats to PHDs can spread damages to the
existing healthcare systems through the networks that are meant to be kept secure for the benefit of
the healthcare service users. The threats can cause not only economical damage but also risk to human
lives. Currently, there is no proper guidance for identification and authentication of the PHDs in case of
the bidirectional connection between the PHDs and the gateway.
Identification and authentication for various connectable personal devices should be consistently
applied throughout the lifecycle. This identification and authentication issue should be considered by the
manufacturers of the devices and the operators of the healthcare service. The whole identification and
authentication process is critical for the successful operation and management of PHDs. Identification
and authentication guidance should be set up to secure the healthcare service by providing the
interoperability among devices and gateway.
This identification and authentication issue should be both considered by healthcare device
manufactures and healthcare delivery organizations. The healthcare device manufacturers and
operators should provide users with mutual authentication between the gateway and the connectable
devices for a secure bidirectional communication and the integrity of sensitive personal health
information.
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TECHNICAL REPORT ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
Health informatics — Guidance on the identification
and authentication of connectable Personal Healthcare
Devices (PHDs)
1 Scope
The document gives guidance for managing healthcare service security using connectable personal
health devices. This document considers unidirectional data uploading from the PHD to the gateway
(manager device), however, there are many clinical use cases for bidirectional data exchange.
This document is applicable to identification and authentication between the bidirectionally connected
PHDs and gateway by providing possible use cases and the associated threats and vulnerabilities.
Since some smart devices with mobile healthcare apps and software might connect to the healthcare
service network, these devices will be considered connectable PHDs in this document. This document
addresses those devices used in a homecare setting, where the knowledge and capabilities regarding
the use of PHDs might not be as advanced as in other healthcare settings.
This document excludes specific protocols, methods and technical solutions for identification and
authentication.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
access control
means to ensure that access to assets is authorized and restricted based on business and security
requirements
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27000:2018, 3.1]
3.2
attack
assault on a system that comes from an intelligent threat (3.18) — i.e., an intelligent act that is a
deliberate attempt (especially in the sense of a method or technique) to evade security services and
violate the security policy of a system
Note 1 to entry: There are different commonly recognized classes of attack:
— An "active attack" attempts to alter system resources or affect their operation.
— A "passive attack" attempts to learn or make use of information from the system but does not affect system
resources.
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
— An "inside attack" is an attack initiated by an entity inside the security perimeter (an "insider") – i.e., an
entity that is authorized to access system resources but uses them in a way not approved by those who
granted the authorization.
— An "outside attack" is initiated from outside the perimeter by an unauthorized or illegitimate user of the
system (including an insider attacking from outside the security perimeter). Potential outside attackers
range from amateur pranksters to organized criminals, international terrorists, and hostile governments.
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.9]
3.3
authenticate
verify the identity of a user (3.20), user device, or other entity, or the integrity (3.11) of data stored,
transmitted, or otherwise exposed to unauthorized modification in an information system, or to
establish the validity of a transmission
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.12]
3.4
authentication
provision of assurance that a claimed characteristic of an entity is correct
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27000:2018, 3.5]
3.5
authorization
right or permission that is granted to a system entity to access a system resource
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443:2009, 3.2.14]
3.6
availability
property of being accessible and usable on demand by an authorized entity
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27000:2018, 3.7]
3.7
bidirectional connection
two-way communication connection between a personal health device (3.16) and a gateway (3.9) for
data exchange
3.8
confidentiality
property that information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals, entities, or
processes
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27000:2018, 3.10]
3.9
gateway
relay mechanism that attaches to two (or more) computer networks that have similar functions but
dissimilar implementations and that enables host computers on one network to communicate with
hosts on the other
Note 1 to entry: Also described as an intermediate system that is the translation interface between two computer
networks.
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.53]
3.10
identification
process of identifying and recognizing a user (3.20), personal health device (3.16), or home gateway (3.9)
as a unique entity that establishes connections
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3.11
integrity
quality of a system reflecting the logical correctness and reliability of the operating system, the
logical completeness of the hardware and software implementing the protection mechanisms, and the
consistency of the data structures and occurrence of the stored data
Note 1 to entry: In a formal security mode, integrity is often interpreted more narrowly to mean protection
against unauthorized modification or destruction of information.
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.60]
3.12
interface
logical entry or exit point that provides access to the module for logical information flows
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.62]
3.13
malicious code
programs or code written for the purpose of gathering information about systems or users (3.20),
destroying system data, providing a foothold for further intrusion into a system, falsifying system data
and reports, or providing time-consuming irritation to system operations and maintenance personnel
Note 1 to entry: Malicious code attacks can take the form of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other automated
exploits.
Note 2 to entry: Malicious code is also often referred to as “malware”.
[SOURCE: IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009, 3.2.70]
3.14
manufacturer
natural or legal person with responsibility for designing, manufacturing, packaging or labelling
a medical device (3.15), assembling a system, or adapting a medical device before it is placed on the
market or put into service, regardless of whether these operations are carried out by that person or on
that person's behalf by a third party
3.15
medical device
instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, in vitro reagent or calibrator, software,
material or other similar or related article
a) intended by the manufacturer (3.14) to be used, alone or in combination, for human beings for one
or more of the specific purpose(s) of:
— diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease,
— diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury,
— investigation, replacement, modification, or support of the anatomy or of a physiological process,
— supporting or sustaining life,
— control of conception,
— disinfection of medical devices,
— providing information for medical or diagnostic purposes by means of in vitro examination of
specimens derived from the human body; and
b) which does not achieve its primary intended action in or on the human body by pharmacological,
immunological or metabolic means, but which may be assisted in its intended function by such means
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
Note 1 to entry: The definition of a device for in vitro examination includes, for example, reagents, calibrators,
sample collection and storage devices, control materials, and related instruments or apparatus. The information
provided by such an in vitro diagnostic device may be for diagnostic, monitoring or compatibility purposes.
In some jurisdictions, some in vitro diagnostic devices, including reagents and the like, might be covered by
separate regulations.
Note 2 to entry: Products which can be considered to be medical devices in some jurisdictions but for which
there is not yet a harmonized approach, are:
— aids for disabled/handicapped people;
— devices for the treatment/diagnosis of diseases and injuries in animals;
— accessories for medical devices (see Note 3 to entry);
— disinfection substances;
— devices incorporating animal and human tissues which might meet the requirements of the above definition
but are subject to different controls.
Note 3 to entry: Accessories intended specifically by manufacturers to be used together with a ‘parent’ medical
device to enable that medical device to achieve its intended purpose should be subject to the same GHTF procedures
as apply to the medical device itself. For example, an accessory will be classified as though it is a medical device in
its own right. This may result in the accessory having a different classification than the ‘parent’ device.
Note 4 to entry: Components to medical devices are generally controlled through the manufacturer’s quality
management system and the conformity assessment procedures for the device. In some jurisdictions, components
are included in the definition of a ‘medical device’.
[SOURCE: IEC 80001-1:2010, 2.14]
3.16
personal health device
PHD
connectable medical device (3.15) used in the home healthcare environment
3.17
public key infrastructure
PKI
complex security system environment for providing encryption and electronic signature using a public
key algorithm
Note 1 to entry: Here, it means the basic technology of the equipment certificate used in the smart health
care device.
3.18
threat
potential cause of an unwanted incident, which can result in harm to a system or organization
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27000:2018, 3.74]
3.19
unidirectional connection
one-way communication connection between a personal health device (3.16) and a gateway (3.9)
Note 1 to entry: This standard does not provide any method to ensure security of data exchange. It assumes that
data exchange is secured by other means, for example, a secure transport channel.
3.20
user
entities using personal health devices (3.16) to transfer information
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4 Abbreviated terms
I&A Identification and Authentication
ICS Industrial Control System
ICU Intensive Care Unit
PHI Personal Health Information
5 Information security objectives in healthcare and PHDs
Information security has been addressed in three security objectives: confidentiality, integrity, and
availability. Although in most information technology domains confidentiality has been considered
more important than integrity and availability, there is room for debate, depending on the needs of
each situation.
For example, when it comes to the ICS, availability is deemed more significant than integrity or
confidentiality. Its importance is clear when considering the large amount of loss and high level of
impact that the stoppage of national power plants or burning furnaces have.
In the healthcare domain, it is crucial to prioritize confidentiality, integrity and availability according
to specific requirements of the domain. Practical guidelines for emergency situations prompt health-
care providers to consider human life above any other requirements, i.e. privacy rules.
When it comes to integrity and availability, it is difficult to definitively prioritize one over the other.
For example, it is clear that availability would be the priority for a patient in an ICU since a system-off
would be fatal and cause death. For a patient who is supported by a pacemaker, the availability of the
pacemaker is also critical.
However, if the data that is connected to a patient’s critical equipment in ICU or to a pacemaker
is manipulated or falsely reported, the patient faces the same risks that those associated with
unavailability. Hence, integrity should also be prioritized in the healthcare sector when it comes to the
PHD’s security and accurate functionality, since contaminated data can pose a threat to human life.
6 Security vulnerabilities and threats of PHDs
6.1 Security vulnerabilities of PHDs
PHDs are defined by the ISO/IEEE 11073 series as a health device that is normally used for measurement
by a chronic patient, especially seniors, for telemedicine at home or in other buildings. Currently,
the number of medical services and health management programs supported by Medical IoT devices
is growing dramatically, which requires the security vulnerabilities of the devices to be sufficiently
scrutinized.
Security vulnerabilities of PHDs are related to their projected benefits; usability, real-time interaction,
remote access, etc. The common vulnerabilities concerned are as follows:
— unsecure end-point;
— wireless real-time services;
— bidirectional connection.
Data collected from PHDs go to web/app services or medical centres through gateways, which can be
divided into dedicated gateways and non-dedicated gateways, such as smart-phones, tablet PCs, or
desk-top computers. In many cases, PHDs are operated in private places with unsecure endpoints by a
person who manages various networked equipment without deep knowledge of IT.
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Wireless real-time service refers to ongoing connection anytime and anywhere. Wireless connection
is especially vulnerable to attacks such as packet sniffing and rogue access point. As brand-new
vulnerabilities like Blueborne were discovered, WPA2’s reputation of being a secure solution was
compromised.
PHDs provide more diverse benefits in healthcare services. Unlike traditional unidirectional
connexions, which simply upload a user’s data (especially very sensitive bio-data of the device user),
emerging services should set up a bidirectional connection to manage heartbeats or track doses of
insulin according to the PHI provided by the user. This bidirectional connection might produce a new
type of vulnerability through malicious gateways, a critical problem that might even cause physical
disorders, e.g. insulin shock or heart attack. While there have been no documented examples of this
occurring, this remains a potential threat.
6.2 Security threats of PHDs
As shown in Figure 1, during data exchange between PHDs and gateways, integrity is likely to fail in
five attack surfaces; Physical devices or gateway, Users, Application, which this document focuses on,
Network and Data.
This model assumes that
— a user’s health data is collected through application of a PHD,
— the two users of the figure below are likely to be the same person, and
— PHD and gateway can be separated respectively or integrated into one device.
Key
1 physical devices or gateway
2 users
3 application
4 network
5 data
Figure 1 — PHD-to-Gateway security threats
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ISO/TR 22696:2020(E)
7 Identification and authentication for connectable PHDs
7.1 General
Healthcare devices and services using bidirectional connection have emerged and this type of service
is expected to be much more popular in the future. Taking into account the tendency in healthcare,
mutual device-to-device I&A is an effective means to ensure the data integrity of PHI. This document
provides security recommendations in three areas for mutual I&A between PHDs and gateway:
— person or entities (including devices) I&A;
— application I&A;
— access control.
See Annex A for additional information.
7.2 Person or entity identification and authentication
7.2.1 Objectives
To ensure that the person or entity who has access to devices, PHI, or resources is the legitimate user or
entity in accordance with the level(s) of access.
7.2.2 User or entity registration procedure
7.2.2.1 Recommendations
To ensure secure connection and communication between PHDs, all users or entities including human
users, PHDs, and dedicated or non-dedicated gateways should register or de-register according to
formally established procedures. The purpose of the registration and de-registration procedures is to
assign access rights that are consistent with the level(s) of access to the device, PHI, or resources. To
achieve mutual identification and authentication, gateways should be registered in all PHDs connected
and all PHDs should be registered in the connected gateway.
7.2.2.2 Implementation guidance
a) User or entity includes the following:
— human users who use or manage the applicable medical device or gateway;
— medical devices used as a PHD by human users, and are communicated with a gateway;
— application installed in PHDs used by human users which communicates with gateways;
— gateways that communicate with medical devices to address health data.
b) User or entity registration procedure include the following:
— assigning a unique ID to all users or entities;
— providing a user ID with the applicable access rights that are consistent with roles and levels of
security;
— managing all accounts of authorized users by ways including adding, activating, modifying,
disabling, and removing accounts;
— assigning access rights on the basis of least privilege and duty of segregation.
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7.2.3 Device identification and authentication
7.2.3.1 Recommendations
All devices including PHDs and gateway should be uniquely identified and authenticated.
7.2.3.2 Implementation guidance
a) PHDs and gateway should be uniquely identified and authenticated using the defined authentication
method before establishing a connection in accordance with applicable security policies and
procedures.
b) To achieve mutual authentication, PHDs and gateway should each be authenticated in a secure
manner, e.g. using cryptographic mechanism.
c) Dynamic addresses should be assigned to PHDs and gateway with lease information and duration
in accordance with applicable security policies and procedures.
7.2.4 Human user identification and authentication
7.2.4.1 Recommendations
All human users should be uniquely identified and authenticated.
7.2.4.2 Implementation guidance
a) Human user identification and authentication should be applied to all interfaces that provide
human user access. This capability supports segregation of duties and least privilege in accordance
with applicabl
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