What IEC 62443 Means for Your Products
IEC 62443 is an international series of standards addressing cybersecurity for industrial automation and control systems (IACS). It provides a structured framework for managing cybersecurity risks in industrial and operational technology (OT) environments, where safety, availability, and reliability are critical.
Unlike purely product-focused regulations, IEC 62443 addresses both secure development practices and technical security requirements for industrial systems and components.
What IEC 62443 Requires
The IEC 62443 standard series is divided into multiple parts, each addressing different roles and aspects of industrial cybersecurity.
Key requirements include:
Secure product development lifecycle processes (IEC 62443-4-1)
Technical cybersecurity requirements for IACS components (IEC 62443-4-2)
Definition of security levels based on threat models and risk assessments
Documentation and evidence supporting secure design and implementation
Manufacturers and system suppliers must demonstrate that cybersecurity requirements are systematically implemented and maintained throughout the lifecycle of industrial components and systems.
Who IEC 62443 Applies To
IEC 62443 applies to organizations involved in the design, development, integration, and operation of industrial automation and control systems.
This includes product manufacturers, system integrators, asset owners, and operators working with industrial control components, networks, and software used in critical infrastructure and industrial environments.
Relationship to Other Regulations and Standards
IEC 62443 is widely used as the reference standard for industrial cybersecurity and is often applied alongside other regulatory frameworks.
It is closely related to:
EU product cybersecurity regulations, including the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), for industrial products with digital elements
Sector-specific regulations for critical infrastructure and industrial systems
IEC 62443 can also support international market access and regulatory acceptance beyond the EU.
How QIMA Supports IEC 62443 Compliance
QIMA supports industrial manufacturers and system suppliers with cybersecurity services aligned with IEC 62443 requirements.
Our services include gap assessments, secure development lifecycle evaluations, technical security testing of IACS components, and support in preparing documentation for certification or conformity assessment. We also assist organizations in selecting appropriate security levels and addressing identified gaps. QIMA helps industrial stakeholders implement IEC 62443 efficiently while maintaining operational continuity and safety.
Talk to Our Cybersecurity Experts
If you are developing or operating industrial automation systems and need to meet IEC 62443 cybersecurity requirements, QIMA can support your compliance efforts.
Contact us to discuss your requirements
Resources
Explore practical guidance on industrial cybersecurity and IEC 62443.
FAQs
Is IEC 62443 mandatory?
IEC 62443 is a standard, not a regulation. However, it is widely required by customers, regulators, and operators as the benchmark for industrial cybersecurity.
What is the difference between IEC 62443-4-1 and 62443-4-2?
IEC 62443-4-1 focuses on secure development processes, while IEC 62443-4-2 defines technical security requirements for industrial components.
Can IEC 62443 support regulatory compliance?
Yes. IEC 62443 is often used to demonstrate cybersecurity compliance for industrial products under broader regulatory frameworksy.