These points aim to provide practical and relevant information for users implementing FrameworX in a security-conscious environment.

  • Introduction to IEC 62443

    • Brief overview of the IEC 62443 series of standards and its importance for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).

    • Explanation of the core concepts, such as Security Levels (SL), Zones, and Conduits.

  • FrameworX Architecture and IEC 62443 Alignment

    • Discussion on how FrameworX’s architecture and features inherently support the implementation of a secure environment according to IEC 62443 principles.

    • Mapping of FrameworX components to a typical Zones and Conduits model.

  • Implementing Foundational Requirements (FRs) with FrameworX

    • Practical guidance on how to use FrameworX features to meet the seven Foundational Requirements of the standard:

      • Identification and Authentication Control (IAC): Configuring users, groups, and security policies.

      • Use Control (UC): Setting up access permissions and privileges for different roles.

      • System Integrity (SI): Utilizing features like encrypted communication and system diagnostics.

      • Data Confidentiality (DC): Implementing secure data transmission with HTTPS, SSL, and VPNs.

      • Restricted Data Flow (RDF): Configuring firewalls and managing data flow between security zones.

      • Timely Response to Events (TRE): Using the logging, auditing, and alarm features to monitor security events.

      • Resource Availability (RA): Implementing redundancy and failover configurations.

  • Secure Deployment Guide

    • A checklist or best-practices guide for deploying a FrameworX solution in a way that aligns with IEC 62443.

    • Example reference architectures for common deployment patterns.

  • Further Resources

    • Links to official IEC 62443 documentation and relevant industry white papers.

What is IEC 62443 (scope & who should read)

  • Series overview (1-1 terms; 2-1/2-4 org/process; 3-2 risk/zone-conduit; 3-3 system SR/SL; 4-1/4-2 product & component).

  • Target roles: architects, integrators, IT/OT security, operations leads.

Core concepts

  • Zones & conduits; defense-in-depth; Security Levels (SL-T 1–4).

  • Foundational Requirements (FR1–FR7): Identification & Authentication, Use Control, System Integrity, Data Confidentiality, Restricted Data Flow, Timely Response to Events, Resource Availability.

Mapping to FrameworX features (control-by-control)

  • Identification & Authentication / Use Control: Security module (users, roles, policies), AD/LDAP integration. 

  • Restricted Data Flow / Data Confidentiality: HTTPS/SSL, Secure Multi-Port Gateway, segmented client access.   

  • Timely Response / Auditability: Alarms & notifications; Audit Trail usage. 

  • Resource Availability: Redundancy configuration; Runtime/System Monitor; failover checks. 

Architecture patterns aligned to IEC 62443

  • Purdue L1–L4 zoneing notes; place servers/clients; DMZ/edge patterns. 

  • Examples: Standalone, Distributed, Cloud/Hybrid, Hot-Standby. 

Implementation checklist (link out to How-to pages)

  • Asset inventory → risk & SL-T per zone → zone & conduit diagram.

  • Configure authN/authZ (roles/permissions, AD/LDAP). 

  • Harden comms & endpoints (HTTPS/SSL, multi-port gateway; close unused ports).   

  • Logging & audit (Audit Trail) and time sync. 

  • Availability: redundancy, backup/restore, drills; document evidence. 

  • SBOM & hardening references. 

Evidence & testing

  • Map tests to FR/SL controls; link to Diagnostics/Performance tools for verification. 

Related pages

  • Security Module, Runtime Users, AD/LDAP; Secure Multi-Port Gateway; HTTPS/SSL access; Redundancy; Diagnostics & System Monitor; Audit Trail.       

Optional sibling (if you want a short concept too)

  • IEC 62443 for FrameworX Architects (Concepts) — a 1-page primer that points to the Reference above and to the How-to Guides (zone & conduit, hardening, redundancy). This keeps the taxonomy pure while giving newcomers an easy entry point.


IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Implementation

Overview

IEC 62443 provides a comprehensive framework for securing industrial automation and control systems (IACS). This guide helps implement IEC 62443 standards within FrameworX solutions, ensuring robust cybersecurity across all operational technology environments.

Quick Reference

  • Standard Scope: Industrial automation and control systems security
  • Security Levels: SL1 (Protection against casual violations) through SL4 (Protection against intentional, sophisticated attacks)
  • Key Components: Policies, Procedures, System Requirements, Component Requirements
  • FrameworX Compliance: Built-in features supporting zones, conduits, and security level implementation

1. Security Level Assessment

Determining Target Security Levels

  • SL1 - Basic Protection
    • Casual or coincidental violations
    • No specialized knowledge required
    • FrameworX features: Basic authentication, access logs
  • SL2 - Cyber Security Protection
    • Intentional violations using simple means
    • Low resources, generic skills
    • FrameworX features: Role-based access, encrypted communications
  • SL3 - Advanced Protection
    • Intentional violations using sophisticated means
    • Moderate resources, IACS-specific skills
    • FrameworX features: Multi-factor authentication, detailed audit trails
  • SL4 - Maximum Protection
    • Intentional violations using sophisticated means with extended resources
    • FrameworX features: Hardware security modules, advanced cryptography

Risk Assessment Checklist

  • [ ] Identify critical assets and processes
  • [ ] Evaluate potential threat sources
  • [ ] Determine consequence severity
  • [ ] Calculate likelihood of occurrence
  • [ ] Map to appropriate security levels

2. Zone and Conduit Architecture

Zone Definition in FrameworX

  • Level 0-1: Process Control
    • Direct I/O connections
    • Real-time control networks
    • Configuration: Isolated VLAN, no direct internet access
  • Level 2: Supervisory Control
    • SCADA servers
    • Historian databases
    • Configuration: DMZ between Level 1 and Level 3
  • Level 3: Operations Management
    • MES integration
    • Production scheduling
    • Configuration: Controlled access from enterprise network
  • Level 4-5: Enterprise
    • Business systems
    • Cloud connectivity
    • Configuration: Standard IT security policies

Conduit Security Implementation

  • Data Diodes: Unidirectional data flow configuration
  • Protocol Filtering: MQTT, OPC UA security profiles
  • Access Control Lists: Tag-level permissions
  • Encryption: TLS 1.3 for all inter-zone communications

3. Technical Security Controls

Authentication and Authorization

  • User Management

    • Central authentication via Active Directory/LDAP
    • Local fallback accounts for emergency access
    • Password complexity requirements per SL level
    • Session timeout configuration

  • Role-Based Access Control

    • Operator roles with read-only access
    • Engineer roles with configuration permissions
    • Administrator roles with full system access
    • Audit roles for security monitoring

Network Security Configuration

  • Firewall Rules

    Level 0-1 → Level 2: Allow OPC UA (port 4840), Modbus TCP (502)
Level 2 → Level 3: Allow HTTPS (443), SQL (1433)
Level 3 → Level 4: Allow REST API (443), MQTT (8883)
Default: Deny all

  • Network Segmentation

    • VLAN configuration per zone
    • Network address translation between zones
    • Intrusion detection system placement
    • Security monitoring points

Data Protection

  • Encryption Standards

    • Data at rest: AES-256
    • Data in transit: TLS 1.3
    • Key management procedures
    • Certificate lifecycle management

  • Backup and Recovery

    • Automated configuration backups
    • Encrypted backup storage
    • Regular restoration testing
    • Incident recovery procedures

4. Security Monitoring and Maintenance

Continuous Monitoring

  • Event Logging

    • Authentication attempts
    • Configuration changes
    • System access patterns
    • Anomaly detection alerts

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

    • Log aggregation configuration
    • Alert correlation rules
    • Incident response triggers
    • Compliance reporting

Patch Management

  • Update Procedures

    • Monthly security patch assessment
    • Test environment validation
    • Maintenance window scheduling
    • Rollback procedures

  • Vulnerability Management

    • Quarterly vulnerability scans
    • Annual penetration testing
    • Risk assessment and mitigation
    • Security advisory monitoring

5. Compliance Documentation

Required Documentation

  • Policies and Procedures

    • [ ] Cybersecurity policy
    • [ ] Incident response plan
    • [ ] Change management procedures
    • [ ] Access control procedures

  • System Documentation

    • [ ] Network architecture diagrams
    • [ ] Zone and conduit definitions
    • [ ] Asset inventory
    • [ ] Security control mapping

  • Evidence Collection

    • [ ] Audit logs retention (minimum 90 days)
    • [ ] Configuration baselines
    • [ ] Security assessment reports
    • [ ] Training records

Audit Preparation

  • Pre-Audit Checklist

    • Review all security configurations
    • Verify documentation currency
    • Test incident response procedures
    • Validate backup restoration

  • Common Audit Findings

    • Incomplete network segmentation
    • Missing security patches
    • Inadequate access control
    • Insufficient monitoring

6. FrameworX-Specific Implementation

Security Module Configuration

<SecurityConfiguration>
  <ZoneDefinition level="2" name="SCADA">
    <SecurityLevel target="SL3"/>
    <Authentication type="MultiFactor"/>
    <Encryption algorithm="AES-256"/>
  </ZoneDefinition>
</SecurityConfiguration>

Secure Communication Setup

  • OPC UA Security

    • Certificate generation and deployment
    • Security policy selection (Basic256Sha256)
    • User token configuration
    • Secure discovery service

  • MQTT Security

    • TLS certificate configuration
    • Client authentication setup
    • Topic-based access control
    • Sparkplug B security considerations

Hardening Checklist

  • [ ] Disable unnecessary services
  • [ ] Remove default accounts
  • [ ] Configure secure protocols only
  • [ ] Enable audit logging
  • [ ] Implement backup encryption
  • [ ] Configure antivirus exclusions
  • [ ] Set up security monitoring
  • [ ] Document all deviations

7. Training and Awareness

Role-Based Training Requirements

  • Operators: Security awareness, incident reporting
  • Engineers: Secure configuration, change management
  • Administrators: Full IEC 62443 implementation
  • Management: Risk assessment, compliance requirements

Security Awareness Topics

  • Password security and management
  • Social engineering recognition
  • Incident reporting procedures
  • Physical security requirements
  • Remote access policies

8. Incident Response

Response Procedures

  1. Detection and Analysis
    • Alert verification
    • Impact assessment
    • Evidence collection
  2. Containment
    • Isolate affected systems
    • Preserve evidence
    • Prevent spread
  3. Eradication and Recovery
    • Remove threat
    • Restore from backups
    • Verify system integrity
  4. Post-Incident Review
    • Root cause analysis
    • Lessons learned
    • Procedure updates

Emergency Contacts

  • Internal security team
  • FrameworX support
  • External incident response
  • Law enforcement (if required)

Related Documentation

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