IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity lifecycle frameworks
BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems via zones, security levels, and supplier certification for OT resilience. BRC ensures food safety through HACCP, site standards, and audits for retailer compliance. OT firms adopt IEC for cyber defense; food makers use BRC for market access.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443 Industrial Automation Control Systems Security
Key Features
- Zones/conduits model for risk-based segmentation
- Security levels SL-T/C/A triad for assurance
- Shared responsibility across owners/integrators/suppliers
- Seven foundational requirements FR1-FR7 mapping
- Modular ISASecure certifications SDLA/CSA/SSA
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Senior management commitment and culture plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety system
- Fundamental requirements for core controls
- Site standards with risk zoning
- Graded annual audits including unannounced
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 standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This consensus-based framework addresses OT cybersecurity across governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and product development. Its risk-based approach uses zones/conduits segmentation and security levels (SL 0-4) to tailor protections to industrial constraints like availability and safety.
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven **Foundational Requirements (FR1-7)IAC, UC, SI, DC, RDF, TRE, RA.
- ~140 component requirements in IEC 62443-4-2; CSMS in -2-1.
- ISASecure modular certifications: SDLA (-4-1), CSA (-4-2), SSA (-3-3).
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces cyber risks in critical infrastructure; enables supplier qualification and procurement specs. Builds trust via certifications; supports regulatory baselines (e.g., horizontal standard). Strategic benefits: safe IIoT, lower insurance, market edge.
Implementation Overview
Phased: CSMS setup (-2-1), risk assessment/zoning (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2). Applies to OT operators, integrators, suppliers globally. Involves audits, maturity levels (ML1-4); multi-year for brownfield sites.
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality via a structured, auditable management system combining senior leadership, Codex HACCP, and prerequisite programs.
Key Components
Nine core clauses cover senior management commitment, HACCP food safety plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, high-risk zoning, and traded products. Features fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) with graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated by retailers for supply chain access; reduces recalls, demonstrates due diligence, enhances resilience against allergens/pathogens. Builds stakeholder trust, supports FSMA compliance, drives efficiencies.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, HACCP development, training, internal audits, certification audit. Suited for global manufacturers; 6-12 months typical, requiring CAPEX for site upgrades.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | Food safety, HACCP, site standards, quality management |
| Industry | Industrial automation, OT sectors globally | Food manufacturing, packaging, worldwide retailers |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards, certification | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certifications, SL assessments | Annual on-site audits, announced/unannounced |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Certification withdrawal, market access loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and BRC
IEC 62443 FAQ
BRC FAQ
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