ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals

This is a 4-day Cybersecurity IEC 62443 training course.

The ISA/IEC 62443 standards define requirements and procedures for implementing electronically secure automation and control systems and security practices, and assessing electronic security performance. The cybersecurity standards, and the resulting training, certification, and certificate programs, cover the complete lifecycle of cybersecurity protection. Developed by a cross-section of international cybersecurity subject-matter experts from industry, government, and academia, the evolving standards represent a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, bridging the gap between operations technology and information technology.

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The move to using open standards such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, and web technologies in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and process control networks has begun to expose these systems to the same cyberattacks that have wreaked so much havoc on corporate information systems. This course provides a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect your critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments.

Topics

Discuss the principles behind creating an effective long term program security

Interpret the ISA/IEC 62443 industrial security framework and apply them to your operation

Define the basics of risk and vulnerability analysis methodologies

Describe the principles of security policy development

Explain the concepts of defense in depth and zone/conduit models of security

Analyze the current trends in industrial security incidents and methods hackers use to attack a system

Define the principles behind the key risk mitigation techniques, including anti-virus and patch management, firewalls, and virtual private networks

Audience

This new ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals course is designed for professionals involved in IT and control system security roles that need to develop a command of industrial cybersecurity terminology and understanding of the material embedded in the ISA99 standards.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have at least one to three years of experience in the cybersecurity field with some experience in an industrial setting.

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IEC 62443 is an international standard that pertains to the security of industrial automation and control systems (IACS). Specifically, it addresses the cybersecurity aspects of these systems, which are commonly used in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, manufacturing, water treatment, and more. IEC 62443 provides a framework and guidelines for establishing and maintaining the cybersecurity of IACS to protect them from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Here's a detailed explanation of IEC 62443:

1. Scope:

  1. IEC 62443 is a comprehensive standard series that covers various aspects of industrial cybersecurity, including network security, system security, and organizational security.
  2. Its primary focus is on safeguarding IACS components such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other devices used in industrial processes.

2. Framework:

  1. The standard outlines a systematic approach to assess, design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity measures for IACS.
  2. It defines a set of security levels (SL) and zones to classify and segment systems, helping organizations identify where cybersecurity controls are most critical.

3. Lifecycle:

  1. IEC 62443 promotes a lifecycle approach to cybersecurity. This means that security should be considered at all stages of the system's life, from design and development to deployment, operation, and maintenance.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of risk assessment, security policies, and continuous monitoring to adapt to evolving threats.

4. Roles and Responsibilities:

  1. The standard specifies roles and responsibilities within an organization, ensuring that cybersecurity is a collective effort involving management, engineers, operators, and other stakeholders.
  2. These roles include cybersecurity managers, architects, operators, and incident response teams.

5. Technical Requirements:

  1. IEC 62443 provides detailed technical requirements and security measures tailored to different security levels and zones.
  2. These measures include network segmentation, access controls, encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection, among others.

6. Compliance and Certification:

  1. Organizations can seek compliance with IEC 62443 to demonstrate their commitment to industrial cybersecurity.
  2. Some regions and industries may require certification or adherence to IEC 62443 standards as a regulatory or contractual obligation.

7. Adaptability:

  1. The standard acknowledges that industrial environments vary widely in terms of technology, complexity, and risks. Therefore, it is adaptable to different industries and situations.

8. International Collaboration:

  1. IEC 62443 is developed collaboratively by multiple organizations and experts from around the world, ensuring a global perspective on industrial cybersecurity.

9. Evolution:

  1. As cybersecurity threats evolve, IEC 62443 is continually updated to stay relevant and effective in addressing new challenges.

In summary, IEC 62443 is a comprehensive international standard that provides a structured framework and guidelines for addressing cybersecurity in industrial automation and control systems. Its goal is to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure by reducing the risk of cyberattacks on industrial processes and ensuring the secure operation of these systems. Organizations in critical infrastructure sectors often use IEC 62443 as a reference to strengthen their industrial cybersecurity practices.