IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity lifecycle framework
IFS Food
International standard for food safety and quality certification.
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems via risk-based cybersecurity frameworks and certifications for OT environments. IFS Food ensures food manufacturing safety through HACCP, audits, and quality controls. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for OT resilience; IFS Food for retailer compliance and market access.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: Industrial automation and control systems security
Key Features
- Risk-based zones/conduits model with SL-T targets
- Shared responsibility across owners, integrators, suppliers
- SL-T, SL-C, SL-A security levels triad
- Seven foundational requirements for systems/components
- ISASecure modular certifications for lifecycle assurance
IFS Food
IFS Food Standard Version 8
Key Features
- Risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA)
- Minimum 50% on-site audit evaluation time
- HACCP-based FSMS with KO requirements
- Annual audits with unannounced option
- Food fraud and defense vulnerability assessments
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 series of standards for cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a comprehensive, consensus-based framework spanning governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and product development. The primary purpose is securing OT environments with unique constraints like availability and safety. It uses a risk-based approach via zones/conduits and security levels (SL 0-4).
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) like authentication, integrity, data flow.
- SL-T (target), SL-C (capability), SL-A (achieved) metrics.
- ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA) for modular conformance.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives shared responsibility, reduces cyber risks in critical infrastructure, enables procurement specs, lowers insurance costs. Referenced in regulations; builds supplier trust, supports IIoT safely.
Implementation Overview
Phased: CSMS setup (-2-1), risk assessment/zoning (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2). For OT-heavy industries globally; involves audits, certifications. Multi-year for large orgs.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing. It focuses on food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements using a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP, PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP principles with annual certification cycles.
- Scoring system (A/B/C/D) leading to Higher or Foundation levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for market access.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances supply chain trust.
- Manages risks like recalls, fraud, and contamination.
- Builds competitive edge via Star status from unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased gap analysis, FSMS design, training, validation, audits.
- Applies to food processors site-specifically.
- Requires ISO 17065-accredited bodies for annual audits with ≥50% on-site time. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | Food manufacturing safety, quality, HACCP, PRPs |
| Industry | Industrial automation, OT across sectors globally | Food processing, manufacturing, retailers primarily Europe |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards series, certification | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked audit standard, certification |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certs, risk assessments, SL verification | Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Certification denial/withdrawal, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and IFS Food
IEC 62443 FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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