IEC 62443 Industrial Security

The increasing prevalence of cyber-physical systems has a significant impact on industries worldwide.  Across a variety of businesses, from manufacturing and processing plants, to energy suppliers and rail, cyber-physical systems are implemented to enable higher efficiencies, unmatched flexibility and innovative business models. But the new connectivity also translates into a shift in the risk landscape, as cyberattacks are increasing. Against this backdrop, suppliers and system integrators must optimize the cyber resilience of their components and systems by improving their development, integration and support processes.

Why is industrial security important for your business?

A security breach involving a connected industrial application can put an entire facility at risk - and the consequences for operations, people and equipment can be devastating.

Vulnerabilities can appear throughout the component or system lifecycle; thus, it is necessary to plan ahead and to implement security from the onset. From specification, to design, production and support, component suppliers need to consider how the cyber resilience of a connected device can be optimized for its entire lifespan. Further down the line, the system integrator must take possible threats of the automated solution into account. Consequently, suppliers and integrators are required to mitigate risk, even when the prospective configuration and the potential threats are still largely unknown. Furthermore, transparency is required for a potential buyer to place trust in the security capabilities of product suppliers and integrators.

What is IEC 62443?

Aiming to mitigate risk for industrial communication networks, the international standard IEC 62443 provides a structured approach to cybersecurity. Originally developed for the Industrial Automation and Control Systems supply chain, it has become the leading industrial cybersecurity standard for all types of plants, facilities and systems across industries. The standard applies to component suppliers, system integrators and asset owners.

Through a set of defined process requirements, the standard ensures that all applicable security aspects are addressed in a structured manner. This includes a systematic approach to cybersecurity throughout the stages of specification, integration, operation, maintenance and decommissioning. Furthermore, the standard foresees that processes are established to facilitate all necessary technical security functions. Adapted to the relevant project scope, IEC 62443 lays the foundations for cybersecurity robustness throughout the product and system lifetime.

The implementation of IEC 62443 can also boost the competitiveness of the supplier and system integrator: A third-party certification demonstrates to asset owners and operators that the purchased component or system is based on a methodized and coherent approach to cybersecurity, in line with industry best practice.

How can we help you?

TÜV SÜD is one of the first companies to provide certifications according to IEC 62443. Suppliers and system integrators worldwide partner with us to confirm their compliance to applicable process requirements as laid out in the standard. 

The IEC 62443 standard addresses security processes along the complete supply chain. For product suppliers, TÜV SÜD provides certification services based on IEC 62443-4-1 Secure Product Development Lifecycle. The standard applies to the supplier’s overall security programs, and also to the security processes connected to the development of the relevant component and control system. Corresponding certifications are available to system integrators based on IEC 62443-2-4 Security Program for Service Providers. In this case, the compliance of generic processes, as well as compliance of security processes for a reference architecture or blueprint, can be verified by our experts. During certification, the auditor executes a conformity assessment based on document reviews, interviews and on-site audits. When compliance with standard requirements has been confirmed, the certification concludes with the issuance of a report and the TÜV SÜD certification mark. An annual surveillance audit is required to maintain the validity of the certification. 

Beside the generic process aspects during product development and system integration, the IEC 62443 standard specifies technical security requirements to components and systems. These technical requirements are described in IEC 62443-4-2 and IEC 62443-3-3. The assessment of both process and technical requirements are the basis for the certification of components and systems, respectively.

Why choose TÜV SÜD?

Our extensive experience with industrial processes, combined with profound expertise in industrial cybersecurity, make us uniquely positioned to assess your security processes and solutions. Our methodology for risk analysis, applying both security and safety aspects, is proven in the field. TÜV SÜD experts also actively participate in international standardisation committees, gaining valuable insights on the latest regulatory developments. Due to our experts’ relentless commitment to instil safe operations across industries, the TÜV SÜD certification mark has become a globally renowned symbol for safety, security and trust.