Standards Comparison

    IEC 62443

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standards series for IACS cybersecurity

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    Global QMS standard for aviation, space, and defense.

    Quick Verdict

    IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems via zones, security levels and certifications for OT resilience. AS9100 ensures aerospace quality through product safety, configuration and supplier controls. Organizations adopt them for risk mitigation, compliance and supply chain assurance.

    Industrial Cybersecurity

    IEC 62443

    IEC 62443: IACS Cybersecurity Standards Series

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based zones and conduits segmentation model
    • Security Levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad
    • Shared responsibility for asset owners, integrators, suppliers
    • Seven Foundational Requirements mapped to controls
    • ISASecure modular certifications for components, systems
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D Quality Management Systems for Aviation, Space, Defense

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management ensures product integrity
    • Product safety controls across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
    • Operational risk management in processes
    • Enhanced supplier controls and traceability

    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 ISA/IEC series of consensus-based international standards for cybersecurity of 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.

    Key Components

    • Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
    • Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) like identification, integrity, data flow.
    • Zones/conduits model and Security Levels (SL 0-4: SL-T target, SL-C capability, SL-A achieved).
    • Maturity levels (ML1-4) and ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy systems).
    • Enables shared responsibility, supply chain assurance, regulatory alignment.
    • Reduces downtime, insurance costs; boosts procurement, market differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: CSMS establishment (-2-1), risk assessment/segmentation (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2).
    • Applies to critical infrastructure globally; requires audits, certifications for assurance.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) certification standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a risk-based, process-oriented approach focused on product safety, configuration integrity, and supply chain control across the product lifecycle.

    Key Components

    • 10-clause Annex SL structure covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit parts prevention (8.1.4), operational risk (8.1.1), human factors, and enhanced supplier controls.
    • Built on PDCA cycle with third-party certification via accredited audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets OEM/contractual mandates for market access.
    • Reduces quality escapes, rework, and supply chain risks.
    • Improves delivery, traceability, and safety for competitive edge.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through OASIS database visibility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, Stage 1/2 certification.
    • Applies to manufacturers, designers, MROs globally; 6-18 months typical.
    • Requires evidence-based audits, annual surveillance, triennial recertification. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    IEC 62443
    IACS cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs
    AS9100
    Aerospace QMS, product safety, configuration, counterfeit

    Industry

    IEC 62443
    Industrial automation, OT across sectors globally
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense supply chains globally

    Nature

    IEC 62443
    Voluntary cybersecurity standards series, certification
    AS9100
    Voluntary QMS certification standard

    Testing

    IEC 62443
    ISASecure modular certifications, risk assessments
    AS9100
    Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recertification

    Penalties

    IEC 62443
    Loss of certification, supply chain exclusion
    AS9100
    Loss of certification, contract disqualification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about IEC 62443 and AS9100

    IEC 62443 FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

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