IEC 62443

What Is IEC 62443?

IEC 62443 is the cybersecurity superhero for industrial systems. More specifically, it’s a globally recognized series of standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS). Think of it as a comprehensive defense strategy protecting these critical systems and asset owners from digital threats.

Created by technology experts at the ISA/IEC, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this series of standards is a detailed playbook for defending the systems we all depend on every single day. And they’re comprehensive, covering the entire lifecycle of industrial systems – from initial system design to ongoing maintenance.

 

Why Is IEC 62443 Important?

In a world where cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities are constantly evolving, ISA/IEC”s 62443 standard is our best defense for keeping the security level of infrastructure we all rely on safe and running smoothly.

IACS within power plants, manufacturing lines, transportation and suppliers’ networks are the invisible nervous system of our world and the backbone of modern society. And that makes them prime targets for hackers who seek to exploit vulnerabilities. Controlled by complex technological networks, just one serious cyberattack on any one of these systems could wreak havoc that impacts everyone.

According to a (CS)2AI-KPMG report, “…outside access to control systems is prevalent today—including from business networks, vendors, and the cloud. Because of this increasing IT/OT convergence, it is imperative that organizations consider control system security as part of their overall security program, rather than as a separate domain. This applies both to security management programs (under standards such as 62443 and ISO 27001) and to the controls used to secure and monitor these systems.”¹

Since IACS underpin critical infrastructure – and disruptions in these systems can have cascading effects on safety, economy, and public well-being – the 62443 standard from ISA/IEC is essential. It addresses these challenges by providing a unified approach to:

• Risk Management: Imagine having a comprehensive roadmap that helps organizations spot and neutralize cyber threats before they become disasters with the appropriate security levels. That’s exactly what 62443 standard provides.
• Global Compliance: These standards aren’t just random guidelines. They’re aligned with major international cybersecurity frameworks published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which means they’re recognized and respected worldwide.
• Vendor Neutrality: Whether you’re using cutting-edge tech from Silicon Valley or legacy systems from around the globe, these standards for security levels work. It’s like a universal language of cybersecurity.

By combining technical, organizational, and procedural measures, IEC 62443 enables organizations, suppliers, service providers, system integrators, and asset owners to secure their operations, comply with regulations, and foster trust in an increasingly connected world. As global consulting firm McKinsey says, “Corporate buyers of software and hardware products, particularly in critical-infrastructure industries, increasingly value certified and secure products, which shows that cybersecurity has become a unique selling position in the industrial context.”²

 

How Does IEC 62443 Align with Government Standards?

Heavyweight government agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy, CISA, and NIST have all thrown their weight behind these ISA/IEC standards. That’s not just a stamp of approval – it’s a clear signal that these standards are important.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Imagine NIST and the 62443 standard as best friends who speak the same security language. They both follow a simple but powerful, risk-based approach aligned with system lifecycles: identify risks, protect systems, detect threats, respond quickly, and recover smoothly. It’s like a tag-team approach to keeping digital systems safe.

CISA Recommendations. CISA sees these security level standards as a crucial defense strategy, especially against advanced persistent threats. To that end, it encourages organizations to adopt Ithe 62443 standard to mitigate risks in operational technology (OT) environments with particular emphasis on:

• Knowing exactly what tech assets they have
• Creating secure barriers between different systems
• Managing who can access critical infrastructure

Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE treats 62443 like a critical national security tool. It weaves these standards into its cybersecurity game plan for the entire energy sector. Think about it: the agency responsible for keeping our power grid running is putting its full weight behind these standards.

The message is clear: when it comes to protecting our critical infrastructure, IEC 62443 isn’t just a recommendation – it’s becoming the gold standard.

 

Key Components of IEC 62443

Covering everything from big-picture strategy to individual device design, 62443 is like a comprehensive security blueprint with four crucial sections, each playing a unique role in protecting industrial systems.

1. General (IEC 62443-1-X): This is basically the “instruction manual” for cybersecurity. Imagine it as setting up the rules of the game: defining key terms, establishing how we’ll measure security, and creating a roadmap for protecting industrial systems.
2. Policies and Procedures (IEC 62443-2-X): Consider this the organizational playbook. It’s all about how companies implement cybersecurity. Want to create a solid cybersecurity management system? This section is your go-to guide. It’s like having an expert consultant walk you through building robust security practices from the ground up
3. System (IEC 62443-3-X): Now we’re getting technical. This section dives deep into how to design secure system architectures. Specifically, it defines how to set up network defenses, segment critical systems, and make sure everything connects safely.
4. Component (IEC 62443-4-X): This is where you’ll find the nitty-gritty details for individual devices and components. Manufacturers get a comprehensive guide on building cybersecurity-ready hardware and software.

New Developments from ISA/IEC: IEC 62443-2-1 (2024)

The latest version of IEC 62443-2-1 is like a software patch for industrial system security. Risk assessment gets a major overhaul.[iii] Instead of clunky, time-consuming processes, organizations now have streamlined ways to spot and neutralize potential threats. And incident response strategies suggest more sophisticated ways to detect and respond to cyber threats before they can cause real damage.

But the real game-changer is the way IEC 62443-2-1 breaks down the walls between IT and operational technology (OT) teams, helping them work together seamlessly to protect critical infrastructure. With enhanced guidance on establishing and maintaining cybersecurity management systems across IT and OT, this update finally gets the two teams speaking the same language.

 

Real-World Application of the IEC 62443 Standard Within IACS

• Power Grids. IEC 62443 is instrumental in keeping the lights on – literally. By protecting smart grid technologies, it ensures hackers can’t remotely cause blackouts or mess with our power supply
• Manufacturing. Robotics, supply chains, and interconnected Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices are found in modern manufacturing environments. And that makes them a prime target for cybercriminals. The 62443 standard protects these complex systems from digital threats that could shut down entire production lines.
• Transportation. Everything from airport control systems and railway signaling to seaport cargo management are potential cybersecurity weak points. IEC 62443 helps ensure a hacker can’t suddenly redirect trains, ground planes, or create chaos in shipping logistics.

Benefits of Adopting IEC 62443

1. Improved resilience: The standard enables organizations to build systems that can withstand sophisticated cyberattacks.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Applying these standards shows that your organization takes security seriously, and goes a long way to reducing liability and ensuring operational continuity.
3. Enhanced Trust: When stakeholders know you’re following these rigorous standards, it’s like a seal of approval. Customers, partners, and other stakeholders all breathe a little easier.

How Forescout Helps With IEC 62443

Here’s how Forescout assists with IEC 62443 compliance to help ensure appropriate security levels:

Asset Visibility and Management. Forescout provides agentless device visualization and control, allowing your organization to:

• Detect and classify every device on the network, including OT, IT, and IoT systems
• Continuously monitor the network for new devices and changes
• Gather detailed information about connected devices without requiring agents

Risk Assessment and Segmentation. Forescout helps your organization meet 62443 requirements for security risk assessment and network design:

• Assists in dividing your network(s) into secure segments (aka zones and conduits)
• Enables the creation of virtual firewalls and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to enforce segmentation
• Provides simulation capabilities to test segmentation strategies before you implement them

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement. The Forescout platform includes features for ensuring device compliance:

• Checks devices against security policies, including antivirus and encryption software requirements
• Notifies administrators of non-compliant devices
• Automatically applies fixes and controls for devices that don’t meet policy standard

Threat Detection and Response. Forescout enhances your organization’s ability to meet IEC 62443 system security requirements:

• Offers real-time monitoring of device status and network activity
• Provides immediate notifications of changes or abnormalities
• Enables flexible response actions based on the importance of devices and the severity of detected issues

Learn more about how Forescout enables manufacturers and industrial organizations to securely embrace digitalization while standardizing their security operations in line with IEC 62443 requirements.

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¹ Control System Cybersecurity Association International and KPMG. The (CS)2AI-KPMG Control System Cybersecurity Annual Report 2024. Accessed December 9, 2024 from the following source: Control System Cybersecurity Annual Report 2024
² Jim Boehm, Julian Fuchs-Souchon, Benjamin Klein, and Wolfram Salmanian, McKinsey & Company. Product security: Navigating regulations and customer expectations, September 8, 2023. Accessed December 9, 2024 from the following source: Product security: Five key success factors | McKinsey
³ Industrial Cyber. IEC publishes IEC 62443-2-1:2024, setting security standards for industrial automation and control systems, August 09, 2024. Accessed December 9, 2024 from the following source: IEC publishes IEC 62443-2-1:2024, setting security standards for industrial automation and control systems – Industrial Cyber