IEC 62443-2-4:2023 Security for industrial automation and control systems

Part 2-4: Security program requirements for IACS service providers

Summary of IEC/TS 62443-2-4:2015

IEC/TS 62443-2-4:2015, titled "Security for industrial automation and control systems - Part 2-4: Requirements for IACS solution suppliers," provides requirements for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) solution suppliers to ensure they meet cybersecurity standards in their products, services, and solutions. This technical specification defines the security capabilities and practices that suppliers (including system integrators, service providers, and contractors) must implement to securely deliver and maintain IACS solutions.

The document primarily focuses on the responsibilities of solution suppliers when providing secure systems and services to asset owners, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and support.

Key Objectives:

• Standardized Security Requirements: Provide clear, consistent security requirements for IACS solution suppliers to follow when delivering products and services.

• Lifecycle Security Management: Ensure that security practices are implemented and maintained throughout the lifecycle of IACS solutions, from design to decommissioning.

• Supplier Security Capabilities: Define what suppliers must provide in terms of security controls, secure development processes, and operational security support.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Security Capabilities for Integration:

2. Suppliers must demonstrate that the solutions they provide meet specific security capabilities, ensuring that the systems are resilient against cyber threats.

3. This includes hardening the system against known vulnerabilities, controlling access, implementing monitoring and logging capabilities, and providing secure network architecture.

4. Secure Development Processes:

5. The document mandates that suppliers adopt secure development practices when designing and building IACS solutions.

6. This includes incorporating security into the design phase, conducting vulnerability assessments, and ensuring that software and hardware are developed with robust security measures.

7. Supplier Responsibilities for Installation, Configuration, and Maintenance:

8. Suppliers are responsible for securely installing and configuring systems to ensure they meet the asset owner's security requirements.

9. Regular maintenance services such as patching, system updates, and vulnerability management must be offered, and suppliers need to establish procedures for ongoing system security throughout the lifecycle.

10. Documentation and Reporting:

11. Suppliers must provide documentation regarding the security capabilities of their systems, including detailed descriptions of how security features work and how to maintain and update the system securely.

12. Regular reporting of security events, vulnerabilities, and incidents must also be part of the supplier’s responsibilities.

13. Ongoing Support and Incident Response:

14. Solution suppliers need to offer ongoing security support, including incident response services and updates in case of new vulnerabilities or attacks.

15. They should have clear procedures in place to handle security breaches or incidents, which includes coordination with asset owners to mitigate risks promptly.

Key Takeaways

• Supplier Accountability: The specification clearly defines the responsibility of IACS solution suppliers in ensuring that the systems they provide are secure from the outset and throughout the system's lifecycle.

• Comprehensive Security: Suppliers must integrate security into every stage of the solution—from design to deployment and operation—ensuring that security considerations are not an afterthought.

• Lifecycle Security: IEC/TS 62443-2-4 emphasizes the importance of security management throughout the entire lifecycle of the system, from planning and installation to ongoing operations, updates, and eventual decommissioning.

• Collaboration with Asset Owners: A strong partnership between the supplier and the asset owner is essential. Suppliers must not only deliver secure products but also provide guidance, documentation, and support to ensure that the systems are operated securely by asset owners.

• Operational Security Support: In addition to designing secure systems, suppliers must offer long-term operational security services, including patch management, incident response, and vulnerability assessments.

In summary, IEC/TS 62443-2-4 sets clear expectations for IACS solution suppliers to ensure that security is embedded throughout the product and service lifecycle. It mandates that suppliers follow secure development processes, deliver systems that meet security requirements, and provide ongoing support to maintain a secure IACS environment.