IEC 62443 in mechanical and plant engineering
- Angelika Moser
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
The increasing networking of production facilities significantly increases the attack surface for cyber threats. For machine and plant manufacturers, IT security is therefore becoming a critical success factor. The international standard IEC 62443 provides a structured framework for securing industrial automation and control systems, establishing the "security by design" approach as a fundamental principle.
IEC 62443 as a standard for industrial cybersecurity
IEC 62443 "Industrial communication networks - IT security for networks and systems" is a multi-part series of standards specifically developed for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). Unlike IT security standards, it takes into account the special requirements of Operational Technology (OT): continuous availability, real-time capability, long patch cycles, proprietary operating systems, and often decades-long operating lifetimes.
For machine and plant manufacturers, parts IEC 62443-4-1 (development process) and IEC 62443-4-2 (technical component requirements) are particularly relevant.
IEC 62443 divides this into different roles, which fulfill different requirements:
Manufacturers/Product Suppliers
System integrators
Plant operator
Maintenance service provider
What role does the traditional machine builder play in the role model of IEC 62443? IEC 62443 does not define machine builders unambiguously. Depending on the application, the machine builder can be a manufacturer or an integrator, and their machine can be defined as either a product or a system.
Machine builders should therefore implement system-wide security functions such as user management and network segmentation, while simultaneously ensuring that all installed components comply with relevant security standards such as IEC 62443-4-2.
Security by Design - an essential process in IEC 62443
IEC 62443 follows the "security-by-design" approach. This means that security aspects are integrated into the hardware and software development process from the very beginning. The IEC 62443-4-1 standard prescribes a documented process for this, covering every phase – from specification and design to testing and maintenance – ensuring a secure development lifecycle.
Essentially, this requires:
Early risk analysis:
Potential threats must be identified and assessed as early as the concept phase. IEC 62443-3-2 describes a structured risk assessment process for this purpose, which systematically records threat scenarios, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts.
Define security requirements:
The risk analysis leads to specific security requirements that must be defined for each component and system area. IEC 62443 defines seven Foundational Requirements (FR), including access control, data integrity, and system integrity. These are categorized into four Security Levels (SL 1-4), with higher levels imposing stricter requirements.
Practical implementation in mechanical and plant engineering
The zoning:
A key concept of IEC 62443 is the division of a system into safety zones with different protection requirements. Communication links between zones are referred to as "conduits" and must be specially secured.
Practical example: A production line is divided into zones:
Zone 0: Safety-critical PLCs with the highest protection requirements (SL 3)
Zone 1: Control level with visualization (SL 2)
Zone 2: MES connection and data acquisition (SL 2)
Zone 3: External connectivity and remote maintenance (SL 1-2)
Risk management:
Risk analysis is a continuous process that is not performed once, but must be repeated regularly – especially in the event of system changes and new threats.
Technical protection measures at the component level:
Here, IEC 62443 defines specific technical requirements for components. The most important measures include:
Authentication and authorization : Strong authentication mechanisms, role-based access control (RBAC) and the principle of least privilege.
Data encryption : Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage using established protocols such as TLS.
Secure Boot and signed firmware updates : Ensuring the integrity of firmware and software by verifying stored security certificates.
Logging and monitoring : Comprehensive logging of security-relevant events for anomaly detection and forensic analysis.
Hardening : Disabling unnecessary services and ports, secure default configurations, regular security updates.
MB Connect Line's remote maintenance routers and industrial firewalls support you in implementing the points described above. Developed and manufactured in Germany, these solutions enable security-focused configuration, even if you're not an IT expert. Role-based user concepts are just as easy to implement as LAN segmentation, VPN encryption, and firewall rules. PRIMATION's experts are happy to advise and support you in selecting the right components, commissioning, and even provide preliminary guidance on security issues. Whether you're a machine builder, PLC programmer, or manufacturing company, we offer a complete, turnkey solution. We won't leave you in the lurch throughout the entire project lifecycle, providing support from planning and implementation to ongoing maintenance. If needed, we also train your employees to ensure the secure use of the solution.
Conclusion
IEC 62443 establishes a holistic approach to cybersecurity in industrial environments. For machine and plant manufacturers, this standard is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for market competitiveness. The security-by-design approach leads to more robust products, lower support costs, and a sustainable competitive advantage. The key to success lies in systematic implementation: sound risk analysis, integration of security into the development process, and the establishment of a security culture within the company. The era of reactive security measures is over – the future belongs to those who integrate security into their products from the ground up. With our expertise and the right products, you can easily meet the stringent security requirements.
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