IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity frameworks
CSA
Canadian consensus standards for occupational health and safety
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 provides comprehensive IACS cybersecurity standards for industrial OT globally, while CSA offers OHS management and hazard standards mainly for Canada. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for supplier certification and risk-based segmentation; CSA for due diligence and regulatory compliance.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443 IACS Security Standards Series
Key Features
- Zone/conduit model for risk-based segmentation
- Security levels SL-T/SL-C/SL-A triad
- Shared responsibility across stakeholders model
- Seven foundational requirements FR1-FR7 taxonomy
- Modular ISASecure certifications SDLA/CSA/SSA
CSA
CSA Z1000 Occupational Health and Safety Management
Key Features
- Consensus-based development with SCC accreditation and public review
- PDCA cycle structure for OHSMS in CSA Z1000
- Hazard classification across six categories in CSA Z1002
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizing elimination and engineering
- Mandatory worker participation in hazard identification and audits
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 standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a comprehensive, risk-based framework spanning governance, architecture, system/component requirements, and product development lifecycles, tailored to OT 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.
- Zones/conduits segmentation and SL 0-4 (SL-T target, SL-C capability, SL-A achieved).
- ISASecure modular certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT cyber risks, enhances safety/reliability.
- Supports procurement, supply chain assurance, insurance benefits.
- Builds stakeholder trust via certifications; horizontal standard for cross-sector compliance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: CSMS governance (2-1), risk assessment/zoning (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2), certification.
- Applies to asset owners, integrators, suppliers in critical infrastructure; multi-year program with maturity levels ML1-4.
CSA Details
What It Is
CSA standards, developed by CSA Group (formerly Canadian Standards Association), are a family of consensus-based technical standards for health, environment, and safety (HES), particularly occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) via CSA Z1000 and hazard identification via CSA Z1002. They follow a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach, accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
Key Components
- Leadership and policy commitment
- Hazard identification, risk assessment, and controls (biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychosocial, safety)
- Worker participation and training
- Emergency preparedness and incident investigation
- Audits, management review, continual improvement Built on ~5 core PDCA elements; voluntary but certifiable; periodic 5-year reviews.
Why Organizations Use It
Meets due diligence, reduces liability when referenced in law (~65% built-environment standards incorporated); demonstrates risk management, boosts compliance efficiency, enhances reputation; strategic for procurement and policy.
Implementation Overview
Phased integration into existing systems: gap analysis, policy development, training, audits; suits all sizes/industries (manufacturing, construction, energy); SCC-accredited certification optional; multi-jurisdictional via ambulatory/static references.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | CSA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle and requirements | OHS management, hazard ID, risk assessment/control |
| Industry | Industrial automation, critical infrastructure globally | All sectors in Canada, cross-industry OHS focus |
| Nature | Consensus standards series, voluntary certification | Consensus standards, voluntary unless referenced in law |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certification, SL capability testing | SCC-accredited audits, product certification programs |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties | Fines/prosecution if incorporated by reference |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and CSA
IEC 62443 FAQ
CSA FAQ
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