IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity frameworks
SAMA CSF
Saudi regulatory framework for financial cybersecurity maturity
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 provides comprehensive IACS cybersecurity standards for global industrial sectors via zones, SLs, and certifications, while SAMA CSF mandates maturity-based governance and controls for Saudi financial institutions to ensure regulatory compliance and resilience.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443 series for IACS cybersecurity
Key Features
- Shared-responsibility framework for owners, integrators, suppliers
- Zones and conduits for risk-based segmentation
- Security Levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad
- Seven Foundational Requirements for controls
- ISASecure modular certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA)
SAMA CSF
SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0
Key Features
- Six-level maturity model with Level 3 minimum
- Four domains: governance, risk, operations, third-party
- Principle-based controls aligned to NIST/ISO
- Board oversight and independent CISO requirement
- Detailed IAM, incident response, payment controls
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 standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This consensus-based framework addresses OT cybersecurity across the lifecycle, using a risk-based approach with 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) map to system requirements (SRs) and component requirements (CRs).
- SL-T (target), SL-C (capability), SL-A (achieved) for assurance.
- ISASecure certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT risks like safety incidents, downtime.
- Enables procurement specs, supplier assurance.
- Builds trust via certifications; supports regulations.
- Differentiates in markets with IIoT, supply chain demands.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance (2-1 CSMS), risk assessment (3-2), segmentation, controls (3-3/4-2). Applies to critical infrastructure globally; requires audits, maturity levels (ML1-4).
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF Version 1.0, May 2017) is a mandatory, principle-based regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. It prescribes governance, controls, and a maturity model to detect, resist, respond to, and recover from cyber threats, aligning with NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS.
Key Components
- Four domains: Cyber Security Leadership & Governance, Risk Management & Compliance, Operations & Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security
- Subdomains with principles, objectives, control considerations
- Six-level Maturity Model (0-5, minimum Level 3: structured policies, standards, procedures, KPIs)
- Self-assessment and SAMA review for compliance
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for banks, insurers, finance firms to avoid penalties, audits
- Enhances resilience, uptime, risk intelligence
- Drives efficiency, vendor leverage, competitive differentiation
- Builds trust for partnerships, market access
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Initiation/gap analysis, risk assessment, design/roadmap, deployment, operate/monitor, audit/improvement
- Applies to SAMA-regulated entities; board sponsorship essential
- Iterative program with documentation pyramid, training (approx. 180 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, SLs | Financial sector info assets, governance, operations, third-party |
| Industry | Industrial automation, cross-sector global | Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance) only |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards series, certifications | Mandatory regulatory framework for regulated entities |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certifications, risk assessments | Periodic self-assessments, SAMA audits, maturity model |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification/market access | Fines, license suspension, regulatory enforcement |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and SAMA CSF
IEC 62443 FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
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