IEC 62443

It is a globally recognized series of cybersecurity standards for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed it in collaboration with the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The standard is relevant to all stakeholders across the lifecycle of an industrial facility, including component manufacturers, system integrators, and operators. IEC 62443 offers asset owners clear guidelines on how to protect industrial networks against cyberattacks, tampering, user errors, and malware.

IEC 62443 provides them with specific requirements and proven best practices for developing and maintaining a structured cybersecurity program that addresses organizational and technical aspects.

Key areas include:

1. Implementing a Cybersecurity Management System (IEC 62443-2-1)
   Dhe standard recommends a systematic approach to risk assessment, control, and documentation, including processes for incident response, patch management, and regular staff training.
    
2. Network segmentation using security zones and conduits (IEC 62443-3-2)
   Facilities are divided into zones based on protection needs. The connections between these zones, known as conduits, are secured accordingly, and each zone is assigned an appropriate security level (SL 1–4).
    
3. Technical requirements for systems and components (IEC 62443-3-3/62443-4-2)
   The standard specifies technical controls, such as role-based access control (RBAC), encrypted communications, event logging, and tamper protection, many of which are considered industry best practices.
    
4. Secure operations throughout the entire lifecycle
   Security measures must be maintained from commissioning to decommissioning. This includes managing vulnerabilities, updating systems, and controlling access at every stage.
    
5. Collaboration between OT, IT, and external partners
   The standard emphasizes cross-functional cooperation among operations technology (OT), information technology (IT), maintenance teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, when applicable, to ensure comprehensive security.

Specific aspects of IEC 62443, such as an operator’s cybersecurity management system or individual industrial components, can be certified. Certifications issued by independent bodies like TÜV, DEKRA, or SGS are widely accepted as reliable proof of compliance - especially in safety-critical sectors such as critical infrastructure (CI) or public procurement.

In addition, IEC 62443 supports compliance with legal regulations, such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive. This directive requires operators of essential and important entities to implement concrete cybersecurity measures.