IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity lifecycle framework
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection and privacy
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 provides risk-based OT cybersecurity standards for industrial systems via zones, SLs, and ISASecure certification. GDPR UK mandates personal data protection with fines up to 4% turnover. OT firms adopt IEC 62443 for supply chain assurance; all use GDPR UK legally.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: Security for industrial automation/control systems
Key Features
- Risk-based zones/conduits and SL-T targeting
- Shared responsibility across asset owners/suppliers
- Security levels triad (SL-T, SL-C, SL-A)
- Seven foundational requirements (FR1-FR7)
- Modular ISASecure certifications (SDLA/CSA/SSA)
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Key Features
- Seven enforceable data processing principles
- Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
- Data subject rights with one-month responses
- 72-hour personal data breach notifications
- Fines up to 4% of global turnover
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IEC 62443 Details
What It Is
IEC 62443 (ISA/IEC 62443 series) is an international consensus-based standard framework for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It addresses OT cybersecurity across governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and product development, using a risk-based approach with zones/conduits and security levels (SL 0-4).
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies/Procedures (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven foundational requirements (FR1-7: IAC, UC, SI, DC, RDF, TRE, RA) mapped to system requirements (SRs) and component requirements (CRs).
- Maturity levels (ML1-4) and SL triad (SL-T, SL-C, SL-A).
- ISASecure modular certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy constraints).
- Enables supplier qualification, regulatory alignment (horizontal standard), insurance benefits.
- Builds assurance chain, reduces supply chain risk, supports modernization (IIoT).
Implementation Overview
- Phased: CSMS governance (-2-1), risk assessment/segmentation (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2), certification.
- Applies to asset owners, integrators, suppliers in critical sectors (energy, manufacturing).
- Involves audits, continuous improvement; multi-year for large-scale adoption.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of the EU GDPR, a binding legal regulation enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Its primary purpose is to protect individuals' personal data through risk-based principles, applying to UK-established organisations and those targeting UK residents extraterritorially.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, and accountability.
- Data subject rights, controller/processor obligations, lawful bases, DPIAs, security/breaches, international transfers.
- No formal certification; compliance via demonstrable accountability (e.g., RoPA, DPIAs).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory legal compliance to avoid fines up to 4% global turnover.
- Enhances trust, reduces breach risks, supports operations like AI/profiling.
- Builds reputation, enables cross-border business.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, data mapping (RoPA), policies, DPIAs, training, audits.
- Applies to all sizes handling UK personal data; ICO audits/enforcement.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle framework | Personal data protection principles and rights |
| Industry | Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing, utilities) | All sectors handling personal data in UK |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards with certification | Mandatory regulation with ICO enforcement |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certification (CSA/SSA/SDLA) | DPIAs, audits, ICO prior consultation |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and GDPR UK
IEC 62443 FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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