As smart meters take on a critical role in modern energy infrastructure, cybersecurity is more essential than ever. Under the latest CRA draft, smart meters are now classified as critical products, which means manufacturers may be obliged to certify their devices before placing them on the market. Complying with IEC 62443-4-2 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is key to ensuring that smart meters are both secure and compliant.
This guide breaks down the technical aspects of IEC 62443-4-2 and explains how it aligns with CRA requirements—offering manufacturers a clear path to prepare for compliance, reduce risks, and meet market expectations.
IEC 62443-4-2: Securing Smart Meter Components
IEC 62443-4-2 is a key standard that defines technical security requirements for devices like smart meters. Its goal is to protect critical systems by ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The document includes 141 component requirements, organized into four Security Levels (SL1 to SL4). Most devices aim for SL2, which protects against basic but intentional cyberattacks.
Key focus areas include:
- Identification and Authentication (IAC): Strong authentication for users, devices, and processes.
- System Integrity (SI): Protection against unauthorized changes to firmware or settings.
- Confidentiality (DC): Encryption to protect data, both during transmission and storage.
To reach SL2, smart meters need features like secure boot and digitally signed firmware updates. These safeguards help prevent tampering and ensure secure operation within smart grids.
CRA Compliance: A Must for Entering the EU Market
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) adds mandatory security requirements for critical products like smart meters, relying on standards like IEC 62443 or ETSI 303 645.
Key CRA requirements include:
- Vulnerability Management: Fix known vulnerabilities before launch.
- Security testing: Run security checks during development to detect and fix weaknesses before release.
- Secure Updates: Provide security patches for at least 10 years after deployment.
- Incident Reporting: Report any detected vulnerabilities to ENISA within 24 hours.
CRA compliance is essential for selling in the EU, but following IEC 62443-4-2 can make it easier. Both share common requirements like encryption, secure coding, and structured development practices.
Strategic Benefits of IEC 62443-4-2 Certification
Why certify your smart meter under IEC 62443-4-2?
- Stronger Security: Certification helps ensure your devices can resist advanced cyber threats.
- Competitive Advantage: It shows you’re proactive about cybersecurity—especially important in regulated sectors like energy.
- CRA Compliance: Aligning with IEC 62443 simplifies meeting CRA requirements and reduces duplicated efforts during audits.
How to Get 62443 Certified
1. Understand where you are and what you want to achieve.
- Gap Analysis: Use a compliance checklist to see where your product doesn’t yet meet the standard.
- Roadmap: Define clear steps, timelines, and responsibilities to close the compliance gaps.
2. Complete the external testing required.
- Penetration Testing: Simulate real-world attacks—like tampering with firmware—to test your defenses.
- Communication Robustness Testing
3. Certification
- 62443-4-1 Certification Work with 17065 accredited organizations to validate and certify your product development.
- Accredited lab testing
- Product certification 62443-4-2
Compliance with IEC 62443-4-2 and CRA is about building trust in a competitive market where cybersecurity is paramount. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can ensure their smart meters are secure-by-design while positioning themselves as leaders in the energy sector.
Sources:
https://www.cci-es.org/certificacion-de-ciberseguridad-estandares-industriales/
https://www.incibe.es/incibe-cert/blog/el-iec-62443-4-2-necesidad-securizar-los-componentes