EPA
U.S. federal regulations for environmental protection compliance
IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity framework
Quick Verdict
EPA enforces environmental compliance via statutes like CAA/CWA/RCRA for all industries, mandating monitoring and penalties. IEC 62443 provides voluntary IACS cybersecurity framework with zones, SLs, and certifications. Companies adopt EPA for legal survival, IEC 62443 for OT resilience.
EPA
EPA Standards under 40 CFR Title 40
Key Features
- Codified in 40 CFR implementing CAA, CWA, RCRA
- National baselines via technology- and health-based standards
- Site-specific permits translating standards to obligations
- Evidence-driven compliance with monitoring and reporting
- Federal-state layered enforcement and implementation
IEC 62443
IEC 62443 IACS Cybersecurity Standards Series
Key Features
- Zones and conduits for risk-based segmentation
- Security Levels SL-T SL-C SL-A triad
- Shared responsibility across asset owners suppliers integrators
- Seven Foundational Requirements FR1-7 mapping
- ISASecure modular certifications SDLA CSA SSA
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA Standards are a family of legally binding U.S. federal regulations codified primarily in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR), implementing major statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This regulatory framework establishes enforceable requirements for air emissions, water discharges, and hazardous waste management, using a multi-layered, systems-based approach combining national baselines with site-specific obligations to protect public health and the environment.
Key Components
- Statutory authority, performance limits, permitting, monitoring/recordkeeping/reporting, enforcement.
- Numeric thresholds, technology-based controls (e.g., MACT, effluent guidelines), health-based standards (e.g., NAAQS, WQS).
- Core principles: uniform national floors, evidence-driven compliance, federal-state implementation.
- No single certification; compliance via permits, audits, self-reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for regulated entities to avoid civil/criminal penalties, operational shutdowns, reputational harm. Drives risk management, innovation in controls, ESG alignment. Enables license to operate, stakeholder trust, access to grants/markets.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, controls design, monitoring deployment, training, audits. Applies to industrial facilities across sectors; high complexity due to state variability, data requirements. Ongoing via e-reporting (e.g., ICIS-NPDES), regulatory tracking.
IEC 62443 Details
What It Is
IEC 62443 (ISA/IEC 62443 series) is the comprehensive international standard for cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a risk-based framework spanning governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and component requirements tailored to OT environments prioritizing safety, availability, and long lifecycles.
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1: concepts), Policies (-2: CSMS), System (-3: zones/conduits, SRs), Components (-4: SDL, CRs)
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7: IAC, UC, SI, DC, RDF, TRE, RA)
- Over 140 technical requirements in 62443-4-2
- ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA) with maturity levels ML1-4
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses OT-specific risks, regulatory references (e.g., NIS-2), supply chain assurance
- Enables certified procurement, reduces downtime/insurance costs
- Builds trust via shared responsibility and measurable SL-A
- Supports IIoT modernization securely
Implementation Overview
- Phased: CSMS establishment (2-1), risk assessment/zoning (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2)
- For critical infrastructure globally; requires audits, OT expertise
Key Differences
| Aspect | EPA | IEC 62443 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental protection standards across air, water, waste | IACS cybersecurity requirements and security levels |
| Industry | All industrial sectors, multi-state US operations | Industrial automation, critical infrastructure globally |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulations with enforcement | Voluntary consensus standards with certification |
| Testing | Monitoring, sampling, inspections, DMR reporting | Risk assessments, SL validation, ISASecure audits |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines, injunctive relief, settlements | No legal penalties, loss of certification/reputation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPA and IEC 62443
EPA FAQ
IEC 62443 FAQ
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