IEC 62443
International standards series for IACS cybersecurity
ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 delivers OT/IACS-specific cybersecurity via zones, security levels, and certifications for industrial operators. ISO 31000 provides universal risk management principles and processes. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for technical OT compliance, ISO 31000 for enterprise-wide governance.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443 series: IACS cybersecurity standards
Key Features
- Shared-responsibility framework across asset owners, integrators, suppliers
- Zone and conduit model for risk-based segmentation
- Security Levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad for assurance
- Seven Foundational Requirements mapping system/component controls
- ISASecure modular certifications for components, systems, processes
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight core principles for risk management
- Leadership commitment and integration framework
- Iterative six-step risk process
- Applicable to any organization or sector
- Non-certifiable flexible guidelines
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 standards framework for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a risk-based, lifecycle approach spanning governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and component security for OT environments.
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies/Procedures (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) like authentication, integrity, data flow.
- Zones/conduits segmentation and Security Levels (SL 0-4) with SL-T/C/A.
- ISASecure certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy systems).
- Enables supplier qualification, procurement specs, regulatory alignment.
- Builds assurance chain, reduces downtime, lowers insurance costs.
- Differentiates in tenders, fosters stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance (2-1), risk/segmentation (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2), certification.
- Applies to critical infrastructure (energy, manufacturing); all sizes via maturity levels.
- Involves audits, training; multi-year for full maturity.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard offering non-certifiable guidelines for systematic risk management. It defines risk as the effect of uncertainty on objectives, applicable to any organization, size, or sector. The principles-based approach emphasizes integration into governance, strategy, and operations to create and protect value.
Key Components
- **Eight principlesintegrated, structured/comprehensive, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best available information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement.
- Framework (Clause 5): leadership commitment, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement.
- Process (Clause 6): six iterative steps including scope/context/criteria, risk assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting.
- No certification; focuses on flexible, tailored implementation.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves decision-making, resilience, and value creation/protection.
- Enhances governance, stakeholder trust, and operational efficiency.
- Provides strategic advantages like better resource allocation; indirectly supports regulatory compliance.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased approachexecutive sponsorship, gap analysis, pilot, enterprise rollout, continual monitoring.
- Universal applicability; emphasizes leadership, culture change, no mandatory audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | General enterprise risk management principles/process |
| Industry | Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing, utilities) | All industries/organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Technical standards series with certifications | Non-certifiable risk management guidelines |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certifications (CSA/SSA/SDLA) | Internal audits, reviews, no formal certification |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification/market access | No penalties, internal governance/accountability only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and ISO 31000
IEC 62443 FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
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