IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity across lifecycle
APRA CPS 234
Australian prudential standard for information security resilience
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 provides comprehensive IACS cybersecurity for global industries via zones, SLs and certifications, while APRA CPS 234 mandates information security governance for Australian financial entities with strict testing and APRA notifications.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: Security for industrial automation and control systems
Key Features
- Shared-responsibility framework across asset owners, integrators, suppliers
- Zone and conduit model for risk-based architectural segmentation
- Security Levels triad (SL-T, SL-C, SL-A) for measurable assurance
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) for system/component controls
- ISASecure modular certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA) for lifecycle conformance
APRA CPS 234
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security
Key Features
- Board ultimate responsibility for information security
- 72-hour APRA notification for material incidents
- Systematic risk-based testing of controls
- Third-party capability and control assessments
- Internal audit assurance including third parties
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IEC 62443 Details
What It Is
IEC 62443 is the international consensus-based series of standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a comprehensive, risk-based framework spanning governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and component requirements tailored to OT environments with unique constraints like safety and availability.
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies/Procedures (-2), System (-3), Components (-4)
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) like identification, integrity, data flow
- Zones/conduits segmentation and Security Levels (SL0-4) with SL-T/C/A triad
- ISASecure certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3)
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT cyber risks to safety, production, environment
- Enables supplier qualification, procurement specs, regulatory alignment
- Builds assurance chain via certifications, reduces due diligence
- Supports modernization (IIoT, cloud) with shared responsibility
Implementation Overview
- Phased: CSMS governance (2-1), risk/segmentation (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2)
- Involves asset inventory, Cyber-PHA, SL targeting, audits
- Applies to critical infrastructure globally; multi-year program for maturity ML1-4
APRA CPS 234 Details
What It Is
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding regulation for APRA-regulated financial entities in Australia. Effective from 1 July 2019, it mandates resilient information security capabilities against cyber threats, covering confidentiality, integrity, and availability of assets, including those managed by third parties. It adopts a risk-based, assurance-driven approach focused on governance and outcomes.
Key Components
- **11 core requirementsBoard accountability, role definitions, capability maintenance, policy framework, asset classification, lifecycle controls, incident response, systematic testing, internal audit, and APRA notifications.
- Built on CIA triad principles with commensurability to threats and criticality.
- No fixed controls; compliance via evidence of testing and assurance, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for ADIs, insurers, super funds to avoid penalties, enforcement.
- Enhances cyber resilience, stakeholder protection, operational continuity.
- Builds trust, reduces incident impacts, aligns with CPS 220/230.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, governance, asset inventory, controls, testing, monitoring.
- Applies to all sizes in Australian finance; proportional to risk.
- Requires independent audits, annual testing; no certification but APRA scrutiny. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | APRA CPS 234 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | Information security governance, controls, incidents for financial entities |
| Industry | Industrial sectors globally (energy, manufacturing, utilities) | Australian financial services (banks, insurers, superannuation) |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards with certifications | Mandatory prudential regulation with enforcement powers |
| Testing | Risk-based SL assessments, ISASecure modular certifications | Systematic independent testing, annual reviews, internal audit |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market disadvantage | Fines, supervisory actions, license restrictions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and APRA CPS 234
IEC 62443 FAQ
APRA CPS 234 FAQ
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