Compliance IEC 62443-4-2

The need to secure components

The IEC 62443-4-2 section describes the requirements, which were set out in advance, that the components of a control system need to implement in order to achieve a certain security level. 

Moreover, manufacturers can certify their products in this standard to prove that a component has all the necessary measures at each security level.

  • Asset owners

    To reassure them that the devices they install on their systems have some minimum security features.

  • Product suppliers

    They may refer to the standard to see what set of security measures they have to add to adapt to any of the defined security levels.

  • System integrators

    They can find out the capabilities of the assets, to configure them according to the security level defined by the asset manager.

  • Compliance authorities

    They can make use this regulation when carrying out compliance audits.

Types of components in a industrial system

Software applications (SAs) such as SCADA or antivirus software.

Embedded devices (EDs), such as PLC, DCS, and IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices)

Host devices (HDs), where the engineering stations, the data historian and the operations computer stand out.

Network devices (NDs), such as firewalls, switches and routers.

The IEC 62443-4-2 document inherits the requirement specifications from another document in the series, IEC 62443-3-3, which is discussed in article Security level according to IEC 62443-3-3 in Industrial Control Systems. Besides the requirements, this document also inherits security levels, albeit it qualifies them and adapts them to each of the defined device types.

Who needs to comply with IEC 62443-4-2?

 IEC 62443-4-2 is relevant for manufacturers and developers of industrial control system components, system integrators, and end-users who want to ensure that the products and components they use or implement meet necessary security standards.

How is compliance with IEC 62443-4-2 certified?

Compliance can be certified through accredited certification bodies that evaluate whether components meet the standard’s requirements. This certification process includes testing, audits, and detailed reviews of the components and their security functionalities.

What benefits does compliance with IEC 62443-4-2 offer?

Compliance with IEC 62443-4-2 offers multiple benefits, including increased confidence in component security, reduced risk of cyberattacks, meeting regulatory and customer requirements, and a better market position for manufacturers demonstrating adherence to international cybersecurity standards.

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