Industrial Cybersecurity According to IEC 62443
IEC 62443 Compliance
Industrial control systems are the backbone of critical infrastructure. IEC 62443 provides an internationally recognized standard that sets concrete cybersecurity requirements for OT operators and manufacturers. The Endian Secure Digital Platform helps organizations implement these requirements technically: with consistent network segmentation, centralized access management, and European data sovereignty.
What does IEC 62443 require?
Network Security
Reliable protection for OT networks
Industrial networks connect machines, control systems, and IT infrastructure. Attacks on these connections can cause production downtime or safety risks. Endian secures OT networks with UTM capabilities, firewall, VPN, and intrusion detection, meeting the core requirements of IEC 62443-3-3.
Access Control
Only authorized users gain access
Effective access management is at the core of OT security. The Endian Switchboard enables role-based access control and granular permissions: each person and device receives only the access they actually need. This aligns with the requirements of IEC 62443-3-3 and provides the foundation for a zero-trust model.
Network Segmentation
Zones and conduits per IEC 62443
IEC 62443-3-2 requires the division of industrial networks into security zones. Network segmentation with Endian 4i Security Gateways implements these zones technically: critical components are isolated, lateral movement within the network is prevented, and communication flow between zones is controlled.
Encryption
Secure data in transit
Data can be intercepted or manipulated during transmission. Endian protects communication between IT and OT systems through encrypted protocols and secure VPN connections. This meets the IEC 62443-3-3 requirements for secure data transfer and protects sensitive production and control data.
Supply Chain Security
Control third-party risks
Maintenance providers, machine manufacturers, and system integrators frequently need access to industrial systems. Uncontrolled remote access is a significant security risk. The Endian Switchboard enables time-limited, fully logged remote access based on the zero-trust principle: every access is authenticated, authorized, and recorded.
Digital Sovereignty
You decide where your data lives
Digital sovereignty means staying in control: of your data, your infrastructure, and who can access it. Endian is headquartered in Bolzano, South Tyrol, and develops its products in Europe. The Secure Digital Platform can be deployed entirely on-premises, with no dependency on external cloud services. For critical infrastructure, that is not a nice-to-have; it is a requirement.
Review your technical implementation
IEC 62443 Checkliste
- Network divided into security zones and conduits (IEC 62443-3-2)
- Role-based access control implemented for all OT systems
- Third-party remote access time-limited and fully logged
- Encrypted communication between IT and OT zones ensured
- Security gateways regularly updated and patched
- Intrusion detection active and alerts configured
- Endpoints and field devices integrated into the security concept
- Asset inventory maintained and documented
- Incident response process defined and tested
Answers to the most important questions
Frequently asked questions about IEC 62443
What is IEC 62443 and who does it apply to?
IEC 62443 is an international series of standards for the cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems (IACS). It addresses operators, system integrators, and component manufacturers in industry, defining requirements for security zones, access control, data communication, and system integrity.
How does Endian support IEC 62443 compliance?
Endian provides technical solutions that cover central IEC 62443 requirements: network segmentation with 4i Security Gateways, access management via the Endian Switchboard, encrypted communication, and continuous monitoring. Endian does not offer consulting services or certifications.
What is the difference between IEC 62443 and NIS2?
IEC 62443 is a technical standard with specific requirements for OT systems. NIS2 is an EU directive that prescribes organizational and technical measures for critical entities. The two frameworks complement each other: organizations that implement IEC 62443 simultaneously fulfill essential technical requirements of NIS2.
Can the Endian platform be operated without cloud connectivity?
Yes. The Secure Digital Platform can be deployed entirely on-premises. There is no dependency on external cloud services. This is particularly relevant for operators of critical infrastructure who must meet strict requirements for data sovereignty and network isolation.
Conclusion
By deploying the Endian Secure Digital Platform, organizations can systematically meet the technical requirements of IEC 62443 and build a secure, resilient OT infrastructure. With network segmentation, access control, encryption and centralized monitoring, Endian covers the essential technical measures of the standard.
For a complete overview of IEC 62443 requirements and their implementation, we recommend our whitepaper.
Implement IEC 62443 technically
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