IEC 62443 and the EU NIS2 Directive both aim to enhance cybersecurity but from different perspectives. The IEC 62443 standard focuses on cybersecurity for industrial automation and control systems (IACS), while the NIS2 Directive aims to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services in the European Union.

To align IEC 62443 with the EU NIS2 Directive, several types of influence or areas of consistency can be identified:

1. Risk Management

• IEC 62443 emphasizes a structured risk assessment process to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks specific to industrial control systems.
• NIS2 Directive also requires organizations to perform regular risk assessments to ensure appropriate security measures are in place for protecting essential services.
• Consistency: Both approaches focus on understanding and managing risks to reduce vulnerabilities, making risk management a fundamental component of compliance.

2. Security Controls Implementation

• IEC 62443 provides a detailed framework for implementing technical and organizational security measures, including access control, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems.
• NIS2 mandates the deployment of appropriate and proportionate technical and organizational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of network and information systems.
• Consistency: The application of layered security controls in both frameworks promotes a comprehensive defense strategy to protect against cyber threats.

3. Incident Response

• IEC 62443 specifies requirements for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents in industrial environments.
• NIS2 mandates a robust incident response capability, including reporting requirements to national authorities and procedures for managing incidents affecting essential services.
• Consistency: Incident response capabilities in both frameworks ensure timely detection, mitigation, and communication of cybersecurity incidents to reduce the impact on critical operations.

4. Supply Chain Security

• IEC 62443 includes provisions to address the cybersecurity of components and services provided by third parties in the supply chain.
• NIS2 emphasizes the need for organizations to ensure the security of their supply chains, including vendors and subcontractors, to reduce supply chain risks.
• Consistency: Both standards recognize the importance of securing the supply chain as a critical factor in preventing cyber threats from propagating through interconnected systems.

5. Governance and Accountability

• IEC 62443 outlines the roles and responsibilities within an organization for managing cybersecurity, ensuring that decision-makers understand their obligations.
• NIS2 places accountability on the board of directors or senior management to oversee and implement appropriate cybersecurity measures.
• Consistency: Clear governance structures and accountability are crucial in both frameworks to ensure that cybersecurity strategies are effectively implemented and managed.

6. Continuous Improvement

• IEC 62443 encourages a process of continuous improvement for cybersecurity measures based on regular audits, reviews, and updates.
• NIS2 requires organizations to adopt a proactive approach to improve their cybersecurity posture continuously, considering evolving threats and technological advancements.
• Consistency: Both emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of cybersecurity practices to keep pace with the dynamic threat landscape.

7. Threat Intelligence and Information Sharing

• IEC 62443 does not explicitly require threat intelligence sharing, but it supports implementing measures to detect and respond to threats based on available intelligence.
• NIS2 encourages sharing cybersecurity information and threat intelligence among entities and with relevant authorities to enhance collective defense against cyber threats.
• Consistency: The integration of threat intelligence is crucial for both standards to anticipate and defend against emerging cyber risks.

8. Compliance and Auditing

• IEC 62443 involves regular assessments and audits to ensure that cybersecurity measures meet the standards specified in the framework.
• NIS2 also requires entities to be compliant with its requirements and be subject to regulatory audits and inspections by competent authorities.
• Consistency: Both frameworks promote the use of audits as a means to verify compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Summary of Influence Areas for Consistency

• Risk Management: Shared emphasis on identifying and mitigating risks.
• Security Controls: Implementation of protective measures across systems.
• Incident Response: Frameworks for managing cyber incidents.
• Supply Chain Security: Focus on third-party and vendor security.
• Governance: Roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of ongoing system enhancements.
• Threat Intelligence: Importance of knowledge sharing.
• Compliance: Requirement for regular audits and assessments.

These influences highlight the alignment between IEC 62443 and NIS2 in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of organizations, making them consistent and complementary in addressing the broader scope of cybersecurity risks for critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.