Revolutionizing IoMT Security: Cutting-Edge Authentication Mechanisms and Trends

Digital healthcare services have experienced re-markable expansion over the past decade, with numerous emerging technologies being extensively explored to deliver high-efficiency services within fortified infrastructures. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has transformed healthcare by enabling connectivity among medical devices, healthcare systems, and patients. However, this enhanced interconnectivity exposes IoMT systems to security threats, particularly in authentication processes, which are critical for protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring device integrity. This paper investigates cutting-edge authentication techniques tailored to tackle the distinct challenges of securing IoMT systems. It focuses on lightweight cryptographic protocols, Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), and Blockchain, The paper also discusses the inherent limitations of these approaches and highlights emerging trends and research directions that could shape the future of secure authentication in IoMT networks. By analyzing these technologies, the study aims to offer meaningful insights to researchers and practitioners striving to strengthen resilience and trustworthiness of digital healthcare infrastructures.