IEC 62443-4-2: Ensuring Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation and Control Systems
In today’s digital landscape, securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) against cyber threats is paramount.
The IEC 62443-4-2 standard provides comprehensive technical security requirements for components within these systems, ensuring their resilience and reliability.
Manufacturers such as Moxa, a leader in industrial networking solutions, offer a range of IEC 62443-4-2 compliant devices to enhance the cybersecurity posture of your industrial operations.
What is IEC 62443-4-2?
IEC 62443-4-2 is a pivotal part of the IEC 62443 series of standards, aimed at providing a comprehensive framework for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).
Specifically, IEC 62443-4-2 addresses the technical security requirements for components used within these systems, such as embedded devices, network components, and software applications.
These requirements are designed to ensure that components are resilient against cybersecurity threats and capable of maintaining their security posture under attack.
The IEC 62443-4-2 standard outlines detailed cybersecurity requirements for various types of components within an IACS.
It defines security capabilities such as identification and authentication control, use control, data integrity, data confidentiality, restricted data flow, timely response to events, resource availability, and others.
By adhering to these requirements, manufacturers can ensure their products contribute to the overall security of an industrial control system, making them more robust against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
Understanding
IEC 62443-4-2
How IEC 62443-4-2 Works
IEC 62443-4-2 organizes its security requirements into Foundational Requirements (FRs) and System Requirements (SRs). This structured approach ensures that each aspect of cybersecurity is comprehensively covered.
Foundational Requirements (FRs)
Identification and Authentication Control (IAC)
Ensuring unique identification and authentication of users and devices.
Use Control (UC)
Managing access controls based on roles and permissions.
System Integrity (SI)
Protecting against unauthorized modifications and ensuring the system operates as intended.
Data Confidentiality (DC)
Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Restricted Data Flow (RDF)
Controlling information flow to prevent unauthorized data access or leakage.
Timely Response to Events (TRE)
Detecting, reporting, and responding to security events promptly.
Resource Availability (RA)
Ensuring system resources remain available even during cybersecurity incidents.
System Requirements (SRs)
Each FR is supported by detailed SRs, which provide specific guidelines for compliance. These SRs address various technical and operational aspects of security, ensuring a thorough and practical implementation of the FRs.
FR and SR Requirements in Detail
Identification and Authentication Control (IAC)
- SR 1.1 Human user identification and authentication
- SR 1.2 Software process and device identification and authentication
- SR 1.3 Account management
- SR 1.4 Identifier management
- SR 1.5 Authenticator management
- SR 1.6 Wireless access management
- SR 1.7 Strength of password-based authentication
- SR 1.8 Public key infrastructure certificates
- SR 1.9 Strength of public key authentication
Use Control (UC)
- SR 2.1 Authorization enforcement
- SR 2.2 Wireless use control
- SR 2.3 Account management (non-human users)
- SR 2.4 Least privilege
- SR 2.5 User session lock
- SR 2.6 Remote session termination
- SR 2.7 Concurrent session control
System Integrity (SI)
- SR 3.1 Communication integrity
- SR 3.2 Malicious code protection
- SR 3.3 Security functionality verification
- SR 3.4 Software and information integrity
- SR 3.5 Input validation
- SR 3.6 Deterministic output
- SR 3.7 Error handling
- SR 3.8 Session integrity
- SR 3.9 Protection of audit information
- SR 3.10 Continuous monitoring
Data Confidentiality (DC)
- SR 4.1 Information confidentiality
- SR 4.2 Cryptographic protections
- SR 4.3 Protection of stored data
- SR 4.4 Protection of data in transit
Restricted Data Flow (RDF)
- SR 5.1 Network segmentation
- SR 5.2 Protection of network integrity
- SR 5.3 Partitioning of data flows
Timely Response to Events (TRE)
- SR 6.1 Audit log accessibility
- SR 6.2 Continuous monitoring
- SR 6.3 Incident response
Resource Availablility (RA)
- SR 7.1 Denial of service protection
- SR 7.2 Resource management
- SR 7.3 Control system backup
Learn More about IEC 62443-4-2 Certified Devices
Contact one of our team to learn more about the benefits of integrating IEC 62443-4-2 Devices into your network
Understanding Security Levels in IEC 62443-4-2
In the context of IEC 62443-4-2, Security Levels (SLs) represent the degree of protection that components must provide to defend against potential cybersecurity threats. These levels are crucial in defining the robustness of security measures required for different industrial environments, where threats and risks can vary significantly.
Security Level 1 (SL1)
Protection against casual or coincidental violations. This level addresses basic security needs, ensuring that the system can handle unintentional or accidental threats.
Security Level 2 (SL2)
Protection against intentional violation using simple means with low resources, generic skills, and low motivation. SL2 is typically applicable in environments where there is a risk of deliberate but non-targeted attacks, such as opportunistic hackers.
Security Level 3 (SL3)
Protection against intentional violation using sophisticated means with moderate resources, IACS-specific skills, and moderate motivation. SL3 is suited for environments where targeted attacks by skilled adversaries are a concern.
Security Level 4 (SL4)
Protection against intentional violation using sophisticated means with extended resources, high motivation, and IACS-specific expertise. SL4 provides the highest level of security, necessary in environments facing advanced persistent threats (APTs) from highly motivated and well-resourced attackers.
Achieving IEC 62443-4-2 Certification
Obtaining IEC 62443-4-2 certification involves a rigorous process to ensure that a product meets all necessary security requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
Gap Analysis
Assessing current products against IEC 62443-4-2 requirements to identify areas needing improvement.
Implementation
Enhancing product features and security controls to meet the standard’s requirements.
Testing and Validation
Conducting extensive testing to ensure that the product complies with all specified security requirements.
Certification
Undergoing an audit and certification process conducted by a recognized certification body to verify compliance.
"Adherence to IEC 62443-4-2 shows a commitment to building devices that meet rigorous security requirements, addressing the evolving cyber threat landscape."
Eric Cosman, Co-Chair of the ISA99 Committee
Benefits of Adopting IEC 62443-4-2
Adopting devices that comply with IEC 62443-4-2 offers numerous advantages:
Enhanced Security
Protects critical infrastructure from cyber threats and reduces the risk of security breaches.
Compliance
Meets regulatory and industry standards, thereby reducing the risk of legal and financial penalties.
Customer Trust
Demonstrates a commitment to security, fostering trust with customers and partners.
Competitive Advantage
Differentiates products in the market as secure and reliable, providing a competitive edge.
Moxa's Dedication to 62443-4-2
Moxa, a leader in industrial networking and automation solutions, is committed to ensuring their products adhere to the highest security standards, including IEC 62443-4-2.
Moxa already offers a range of devices designed to meet these rigorous requirements, ensuring robust cybersecurity for industrial applications.
Moxa 62443-4-2 Devices
Moxa EDS-4000/G4000 Series
This series of Ethernet switches provide robust cybersecurity features such as device integrity, data confidentiality, and secure firmware updates, significantly enhancing network protection against cyber threats.
Moxa UC-8200 Series
This series of rugged computing platforms ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability, providing secure processing for industrial applications. The UC-8200 series is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
Moxa EDR-G9010 Series
The EDR-G9010 series offers enhanced security features such as deep packet inspection, secure remote access, and robust threat prevention. These industrial routers ensure that network traffic is thoroughly monitored and controlled, providing reliable protection against cyber attacks in critical infrastructure environments.
By integrating Moxa’s IEC 62443-4-2 compliant devices, companies can enhance the security of their industrial control systems, ensuring resilience against cyber threats and maintaining smooth, uninterrupted operations. Moxa's commitment to cybersecurity and adherence to IEC 62443-4-2 helps organizations achieve robust industrial network security, providing peace of mind and operational efficiency.
For more information about Moxa's products and how they can help secure your industrial systems in compliance with IEC 62443-4-2, checkout our dedicated Moxa page.
IEC 62443-4-2 within IACS
IEC 62443-4-2 is a critical standard for ensuring the cybersecurity of components within Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). By adhering to these stringent technical security requirements, companies can protect their critical infrastructure from cyber threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Moxa’s commitment to cybersecurity and their development of IEC 62443-4-2 compliant devices demonstrate their leadership in advancing industrial security standards. By choosing Moxa’s robust and reliable solutions, companies can confidently enhance their cybersecurity posture and safeguard their industrial operations against evolving threats.
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