What is EC 62443?

The IEC 62443 standard is a comprehensive framework developed to secure industrial automation and control systems used in operational technology environments. It addresses cybersecurity risks across industrial automation and control by defining technical, procedural, and organizational requirements. Rather than treating IT and OT as separate domains, IEC 62443 bridges both, recognizing that modern industrial systems often combine traditional IT components with OT assets. The standard applies to asset owners, system integrators, and product suppliers, helping each role manage risk and protect critical systems from cyber threats.

ISO 27001 is a broad cybersecurity framework focused on establishing and maintaining an information security management system across an organization. IEC 62443 complements this approach by providing detailed, OT-specific guidance for securing automation and control systems. While ISO 27001 outlines how to manage information security at an organizational level, IEC 62443 focuses on the unique risks associated with industrial environments, such as safety, availability, and system integrity. Together, they help organizations align enterprise security governance with the realities of operational technology.

Enhanced risk management and security posture

IEC 62443 enables a risk-based approach to securing industrial environments, helping organizations identify threats and apply controls that match real-world risk levels.

Improved compliance

By aligning with an internationally recognized standard, organizations can demonstrate due diligence to regulators, customers, and partners.

Greater operational efficiency and reduced downtime

Security controls designed for OT reduce the likelihood of disruptive incidents that can halt production or impact safety.

Interoperability

IEC 62443 provides a common language for asset owners, integrators, and suppliers, improving collaboration across the industrial ecosystem.

Cost savings

Preventing incidents and unplanned downtime helps reduce the long-term financial impact of cyber events.

IEC 62443 certification is available through organizations such as the International Society of Automation. The ISA/IEC 62443 certification programs are designed for professionals responsible for securing industrial environments, including asset owners, integrators, and product suppliers. Certification helps validate knowledge of the standard and demonstrates an organization’s or individual’s commitment to securing industrial automation and control systems.

‍

Meeting IEC 62443 guidelines requires more than isolated security tools. Organizations must adopt cybersecurity frameworks that address the full industrial automation and control systems lifecycle. This includes asset visibility, network segmentation, continuous monitoring, and incident response designed specifically for OT environments. A comprehensive approach helps organizations manage risk consistently across interconnected systems while maintaining operational reliability.

Darktrace / OT supports IEC 62443 alignment by providing visibility and protection across industrial environments.

Live OT and IT asset inventory

Continuous discovery of connected devices helps organizations understand what is present in their environment.

Real-time monitoring and autonomous threat detection

Behavioral analysis enables early identification of threats without relying on signatures.

A trusted centralized platform that protects all interconnected devices

Unified visibility helps teams manage security across complex, converged environments.

Self-Learning AI

Adaptive models learn normal operational behavior to detect anomalies that may indicate cyber risk.

Learn more about enhancing IEC 62443 compliance with Darktrace / OT

IEC 62443 plays a critical role in securing modern industrial environments as cyber threats continue to target operational technology. By combining a risk-based standard with real-time visibility and threat detection, organizations can improve resilience without compromising operations. To learn more about how Darktrace / OT supports IEC 62443 alignment and strengthens industrial cybersecurity, explore Darktrace’s operational technology solutions.

Read the full report and framework mapping here.