Enhanced Authentication Protocol for Securing Internet of Medical Things with Lightweight Post-Quantum Cryptography

As the healthcare sector transitions to the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), it promises significant improvements in productivity by streamlining processes, reducing administrative burdens, and automating routine tasks. However, the current authentication methods are vulnerable due to reliance on simple passwords and a lack of additional protective layers, posing a heightened risk of data breaches. Given the significant value of medical data, security measures for medical devices remain inadequate, especially in safeguarding user and device identities against future quantum computing threats. This paper proposes an enhanced authentication protocol aimed at ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of medical data. The protocol validates user and device identities while incorporating post-quantum cryptography to address upcoming challenges posed by quantum technology.