Free quick guide to OT Cybersecurity and ISASecure/IEC 62443 certification

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On this page, you will find the key concepts of OT Cybersecurity and the benefits of ISASecure/IEC 62443 certification with BYHON.

1. The importance of OT Cybersecurity and the IEC 62443 standard

The increasing digitalization and interconnection of industrial systems have led to an exponential rise in cyber threats.
OT Cybersecurity (Operational Technology) has become a priority to protect Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) from cyberattacks that could compromise safety, operational continuity, and the protection of sensitive data.
 
The IEC 62443 standard is the international reference for the security of IACS systems. Designed to address the specific challenges of industrial cybersecurity, the standard provides a comprehensive framework for protecting industrial control and automation systems, ensuring:

  • Security: Protection against cyber threats
  • Integrity: Prevention of data manipulation or compromise
  • Availability: Operational continuity of critical systems
  • Confidentiality: Protection of sensitive data

 

The IEC 62443 standard applies to a wide range of industrial systems and components, including:

  • Combined HMI/PLC systems
  • SCADA systems
  • Control system platforms
  • PCS (Packaged Control Systems)
  • DCS (Distributed Control Systems)
  • Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

2. ISASecure Accreditation: the highest global recognition

The ISASecure certification represents the highest international recognition for compliance with the IEC 62443 standard requirements.
It is a third-party conformity assessment scheme developed by the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI), ensuring that industrial products and systems are designed to be secure, reliable, and resilient to cyberattacks.
 

Why is ISASecure accreditation crucial?
  • Global Recognition: ISASecure certificates are internationally recognized, ensuring maximum reliability and transparency
  • Independence and Impartiality: certification is issued only by accredited bodies, such as BYHON, operating according to IEC 17065 and IEC 17025 standards
  • Comprehensive Compliance: the ISASecure scheme covers the entire product lifecycle, from design to maintenance, ensuring that security requirements are met at every stage

3. Benefits of ISASecure Certifications

ISASecure certifications offer numerous benefits for component and system manufacturers, system integrators, and end users:
 

1. Reliability and Security:
  • Demonstrate that products and systems comply with the highest security standards
  • Enhance the security, integrity, availability, and confidentiality of IACS systems

 

2. Regulatory Compliance:
  • Certify compliance with the IEC 62443 standard requirements
  • Establish corporate policies for the use of ISA/IEC 62443 standards

 

3. Risk and Cost Reduction:
  • Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, reducing the risks of operational disruptions and unexpected costs

 

4. Trust Among Stakeholders:
  • Increase trust between end users, manufacturers, and system integrators, thanks to the independence and impartiality of an accredited certification body

 

5. Sales Support:
  • Globally recognized certification improves product competitiveness and market positioning

 

6. Security for Industry 4.0 and beyond:
  • Ensure that automation and control systems are secure and reliable, supporting the transition to Industry 4.0

4. ISASecure Certifications available on the market

A. Security Development Lifecycle Assurance (SDLA)

The SDLA certification is the first step in the ISASecure certification process. Based on the IEC 62443-4-1 standard, this certification ensures that the product development lifecycle meets security requirements. It is a prerequisite for obtaining CSA/ICSA and SSA certifications.
 

B. Component Security Assurance (CSA)

The CSA certification verifies the compliance of IACS components with the technical security requirements defined by the IEC 62443-4-2 standard. It applies to:

  • Embedded devices
  • Host devices
  • Network devices
  • Software applications

 

C. IIoT Component Security Assurance (ICSA)

The ICSA certification is specific to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) components, such as sensors, actuators, and gateways. It ensures that IIoT devices are secure and resilient to cyberattacks, in compliance with the IEC 62443-4-2 standard.
 

D. System Security Assurance (SSA)

The SSA certification verifies the compliance of IACS systems with the security requirements defined by the IEC 62443-3-3 standard. It applies to complete industrial automation and control systems, such as:

  • Combined HMI/PLC systems
  • SCADA systems
  • PCS, DCS, and SIS systems

 

E. Automation and Control Systems Security Assurance (ACSSA)

The ACSSA certification is a new ISASecure initiative aimed at Asset Owners. This certification allows end users to attest to the cybersecurity level of the automation and control systems used in their production sites, in compliance with ISA/IEC 62443 standards.
 
Key objectives of the ACSSA certification:

  • Increased Visibility: Asset Owners can demonstrate the cybersecurity level of their facilities, supported by the international reference of the ISASecure certification
  • Insurance Risk Assessment: Insurers can include analysis based on IEC 62443 standards in their risk assessment models
  • Clarity in the Supply Chain: Product and service providers can better understand the required security requirements, improving integration and operational support

 
The ACSSA certification applies to automation and control systems in use or under maintenance at production facilities, ensuring the security, integrity, and availability of operations.

5. The Certification Process with BYHON

BYHON is a globally accredited body for ISASecure® certification. With license number ISCI-CL0005, BYHON offers a structured and comprehensive certification process designed to guide companies in obtaining SDLA, CSA/ICSA, SSA certifications, and compliance with IEC 62443 standards for OT.
 

Steps in the certification process with BYHON:

1. Definition of Scope and Assessment:

  • Identification of systems, components, or OT configurations to be certified
  • Definition of specific security requirements for the project

 
2. Preliminary Assessment:

  • Analysis of the Security Development Lifecycle
  • Identification of vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks
  • Assessment of compliance with the technical requirements of the IEC 62443 standard

 

3. Testing and Vulnerability Analysis:

  • Execution of communication robustness tests and vulnerability scans
  • Simulation of cyberattacks to evaluate system resilience

 

4. Assessment Review and Certification Issuance:

  • Final review of the assessment
  • Issuance of the ISASecure certificate or IEC 62443 compliance statement

 

Alternatively, for products and final OT configurations, BYHON offers a conformity statement inspired by the IEC 62443 certification schemes. This service is aimed at specific OT configurations and custom installations to certify compliance with security, integrity, availability, and confidentiality parameters.

6. Why Choose BYHON for OT Cybersecurity Certification

BYHON is the ideal partner for obtaining ISASecure certifications and compliance with the IEC 62443 standard. Here’s why:

  • International Accreditation: BYHON is a globally accredited body for ISASecure certification. BYHON is an organization of HON S.r.l. and part of the TÜV Rheinland group, a global leader in certification and industrial safety
  • Proven Expertise: with years of experience in certification and industrial safety, BYHON is a trusted reference for OT cybersecurity
  • Technical Competence: BYHON’s team consists of qualified experts in the IEC 62443 standard and ISASecure certification processes
  • Tailored Approach: BYHON offers customized solutions for the specific needs of each client
  • Global Recognition: certificates issued by BYHON are internationally recognized, ensuring the highest level of reliability and transparency

Make the right choice. Obtain an excellence certification quickly.

The ISASecure certification represents the highest global recognition for OT cybersecurity, demonstrating compliance with the IEC 62443 standard requirements throughout the product lifecycle. With BYHON, companies can rely on an accredited and highly qualified partner to obtain certifications such as SDLA, CSA, ICSA, SSA, and conformity statements for OT configurations.
 
Choosing BYHON means selecting a globally recognized leader capable of ensuring a rigorous, transparent, and customized certification process. With BYHON, companies can protect their industrial systems, enhance security, and build trust with their customers and partners.