In this era of rising digitization, safeguarding industrial systems and vital infrastructure from cyber threats has become of utmost importance. Operational technology (OT) settings in the industrial sector are frequently susceptible to cyberattacks, which can have dire real-world repercussions, both in terms of financial and reputational detriments.
This is why the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), in conjunction with the International Society of Automation (ISA), developed a set of standards known as the ISA/IEC 62443 to address these issues. Implementing the principles of these standards can facilitate the maintenance of risk-free operations for automation and control systems. ISA/IEC 62443, thus, helps industrial organizations maintain the security of their ICS environment and operational systems.
However, adhering to a new compliance standard can come with its own set of challenges. The questions surrounding the new security framework can leave both expert and novice security professionals feeling overwhelmed. This is why we at Akitra have curated this blog for you. This article answers the top five frequently asked questions about ISA/IEC 62443 Industrial Cybersecurity Standards.
But first, let’s define what the ISA/IEC 62443 standards mean.
What are the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards?
ISA/IEC 62443 is a series of standards created by the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the IEC, designed specifically to solve the particular cybersecurity issues that OT settings and industrial control systems (ICS) present.
It all began with the realization that critical infrastructure systems (ICS) — such as those utilized in manufacturing, energy, and other industries — were becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. These systems differ from ordinary IT systems because they need specific cybersecurity standards to guard against threats that could interfere with operations, harm tangible assets, or even endanger public safety.
The main purpose of ISA/IEC 62443 standards is to give industrial settings a thorough framework for putting cybersecurity measures in place. It describes criteria, best practices, and rules your company can adhere to to safeguard its OT systems and data. Instead of being a single standard, it is a collection of related papers that address various facets of industrial cybersecurity.
Let’s dive deep into the five most frequently asked questions about the ISA/IEC 62443 Industrial Cybersecurity Standards.
Five Most Frequently-Asked Questions About the ISA/IEC 62443 Compliance Standards
Here are the five most frequently-asked questions about the ISA/IEC 62443 security framework:
- How Did the ISA/IEC 62443 Security Standards Evolve?
The ISA/IEC 62443 standards are consensus-based automation cybersecurity frameworks published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the IEC and the ISA. Thus, the ISO 27001 (ISO/IEC 27001), an international standard centered on information security, serves as the foundation for the ISA/IEC 62443 standards.
These IEC standards were approved as basic or horizontal standards in November 2021, guaranteeing their applicability and independence from specific technologies in different technological domains. These standards were created to fulfill all present and future IACS security requirements during their lifecycle. The first set of guidelines for the industrial cybersecurity sector was developed in 2007 at the ISA’s behest.
To incorporate the previous ISA-99 papers into the joint standard ISA/IEC 62443, the ISA and the IEC joined forces in 2010. Created for the industrial process industry, these standards and technical reports have been used in transportation, medical devices, and building automation. Industrial cybersecurity specialists from around the world came together as the ISA99 standards development committee to formulate better guidelines in the next stage. The committee’s main goals were to increase the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of systems used in manufacturing or control and establish standards for acquiring and implementing secure control systems.
This is how the ISA/IEC 62443 security standards evolved into existence.
- How Do I Get ISA/IEC 62443 Certified?
Based on the ISA/IEC 62443 set of automation cybersecurity standards, the ISA industrial cybersecurity training courses and knowledge-based credential recognition program provide essential guidance on parts of government cybersecurity strategies. Their timetable covers the entire lifetime of IACS assessment, design, implementation, operations, and maintenance. With a focus on IT and control system security professionals, this course helps develop the command of industrial cybersecurity jargon and comprehensive comprehension of the ramifications of the ISA/IEC 62443 family of standards for security executives.
Furthermore, ISA certification programs for ISA certification and certificates provide a standards-based approach to learning important subjects related to the automation sector. The practical and expert-led industrial cybersecurity courses make use of industry-supported real-world equipment to validate particular knowledge areas and boost professional reputation. The certificate programs give security professionals access to an impartial, third-party skill level assessment together with education, expertise, and experience. The cybersecurity engineers and technical specialists trained by ISA can recognize vulnerabilities and defend systems against cybersecurity threats using an OT focus instead of an IT focus.
Security professionals have the chance to get certified in the principles, risk assessment, design, and management of the standards collection by passing one or all four of ISA’s tests. The title of “Cybersecurity Expert” is awarded to the professional upon completion of all four fundamental principles. In contrast, vendors can choose which security levels to certify their goods as IEC 62443 compliant. The products used in OT and ICS contexts will be stronger as a result of these actions. Last but not least, owners of assets have the authority to start certifying their websites or systems about IEC 62443 standards. Additionally, any anomaly may be quickly identified and fixed to improve the network.
- What are the Challenges Faced in Implementing ISA/IEC 62443 Standards?
There are a number of difficulties when implementing IEC 62443 in industrial settings.
One of the most important is that your company needs to close the communication gap between the OT and IT teams. Since these two groups have historically worked in silos, the guidelines place a strong emphasis on their cooperation to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
The variety of industrial systems and outdated technology, frequently needing integrated cybersecurity capabilities, presents another challenge. Installing security updates on these systems can be expensive and time-consuming. IEC 62443 offers recommendations for resolving these issues and encourages tactics like secure remote access and network segmentation.
- What are the Benefits and Best Practices of Implementing ISA/IEC 62443 Standards?
The ISA/IEC 62443 standards act as an extensive knowledge base that informs security debates, supports new efforts, and supplements current recommendations. Additionally, they offer pre-made materials for creating the framework of OT security initiatives. The IEC 62443 standards, updated and developed regularly, welcome input from all interested parties and allow them to influence future developments.
Depending on their present and future requirements, organizations that take an ISA or engineering-focused approach to cybersecurity can use the IEC 62443 standards either completely or selectively. IEC 62443 is a valuable primary or supplemental source of information for a wide range of professionals, including vendors, product owners, IT specialists, engineers, risk management analysts, and security experts.
To effectively implement the standards, it is recommended to carry out thorough risk assessments to pinpoint weaknesses and potential threats. Additionally, security measures should be updated regularly to keep up with emerging cyber threats. Programs for employee awareness and training are also crucial if you want to make sure your staff is prepared to address cybersecurity problems.
- What are the Differences Between ISA/IEC 62443 and ISO 27001?
ISA/IEC 62443 and ISO 27001 are crucial for cybersecurity, but they have different uses and concentrate on other aspects. The following are some significant variations:
- Scope: IEC 62443 is intended especially for OT environments and industrial control systems. It tackles the particular difficulties of protecting vital infrastructure, production lines, and industrial automation. In contrast, ISO 27001 is a more general information security standard that any organization, independent of the sector, may use.
- Context for Regulations: IEC 62443 is frequently connected to certain industry standards and laws, such as NERC CIP in the energy sector. It complies with industry-specific standards. In comparison, ISO 27001 offers a broader framework for information security that may be used in a variety of regulatory settings.
- Customization: IEC 62443 gives your company the flexibility to adapt its cybersecurity strategy to your unique industrial environment and security needs. While very adaptable, ISO 27001 is designed outside the exact difficulties industrial systems face.
- Technological Focus: The standards give special attention to the technological facets of cybersecurity in industrial settings. The collection offers comprehensive security guidelines for components and ICS. Although it is somewhat technical, ISO 27001 is more applicable to a variety of businesses and is primarily focused on information security management systems (ISMS).
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