IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity lifecycle framework
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization.
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 secures industrial OT systems globally via risk-based zones and certifications, while FedRAMP standardizes US federal cloud authorizations with NIST controls and 3PAO assessments. OT owners adopt IEC for supplier assurance; CSPs pursue FedRAMP for government contracts.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: Security for industrial automation and control systems
Key Features
- Shared-responsibility framework across asset owners, integrators, suppliers
- Zones and conduits risk-based segmentation model
- Security Levels triad (SL-T, SL-C, SL-A) for measurable assurance
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) for system/component controls
- ISASecure modular certification (SDLA, CSA, SSA) schemes
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- "Assess once, use many times" reusable authorizations
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines at three impact levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments and audits
- Continuous monitoring with monthly/quarterly reporting
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSP listings
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 (also ISA/IEC 62443) 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 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, restricted flows.
- Zones/conduits model and Security Levels (SL 0-4) with SL-T/C/A triad.
- ~127 CSMS requirements in -2-1; modular ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT cyber risks, enables secure IIoT.
- Meets regulatory references (horizontal standard), reduces insurance costs.
- Shared responsibility clarifies procurement/contracts.
- Builds supplier trust via certifications, competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance (CSMS), risk assessment (-3-2), segmentation, controls (-3-3/-4-2).
- Applies to critical infrastructure sectors globally.
- Multi-year with audits, maturity levels ML1-4.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling "assess once, use many times" to reduce duplication, based on risk-based NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls mapped to FIPS 199 impact levels.
Key Components
- Baselines for Low (~156 controls), Moderate (~323), High (~410), plus LI-SaaS for low-risk SaaS.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans.
- Built on NIST standards; compliance via 3PAO assessments and agency/program ATOs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks $20M+ federal contracts and CMMC compliance.
- Demonstrates robust security for commercial clients.
- Reduces risk, builds trust, provides competitive edge in government procurement.
Implementation Overview
- Multi-phase: sponsor, preparation, 3PAO assessment, monitoring.
- Applies to CSPs targeting U.S. federal market; high documentation, staffing needs.
- Typical 12-18 months, costs $150k-$2M+; requires audits by accredited 3PAOs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | Cloud services security assessment, NIST 800-53 baselines |
| Industry | Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing) globally | US federal agencies and contractors, cloud providers |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards series, certifications | Mandatory US government program for federal cloud |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certs (CSA/SSA/SDLA), maturity levels | 3PAO independent assessments, annual reassessments |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification/market access | Loss of authorization, contract ineligibility, procurement bans |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and FedRAMP
IEC 62443 FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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