Proactive Defence in IoT Networks: A Scoping Review of Security Frameworks and Security Elements

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a significant role in digital health systems. IoT devices have been applied in various ways in digital health, including implantable devices, wearables, activity trackers and indigestibles. However, the rapid expansion of IoT networks has outpaced security measures, introducing significant security challenges. This scoping review addresses the research questions: (1) Are there any IoT network security frameworks to provide comprehensive protection for IoT Networks in digital health systems? (2) What key security elements are required to develop a robust, proactive IoT security framework?. We searched four databases for English peer-reviewed studies (2015 – 2024); two reviewers independently screened. The results reveal that while some frameworks address discrete security areas, none provide comprehensive, end-to-end protection. This review identifies critical security elements, including vulnerability assessments, threat modelling, feedback loops and the integration of Artificial Intelligence that collectively enhance proactive security measures in IoT networks. The findings provide a structured understanding of security components, supporting the creation of comprehensive frameworks that improve the protection of IoT networks. This research contributes to the development of a robust, security framework that enhances the protection of sensitive data, promotes trust in digital health technologies and guides the implementation of best practices to secure IoT networks in digital health systems.