Enhancing Power Generation Security - Interpreting ISA/IEC 62443 Standards

This week, Dr. Jesus Molina is spotlighting practical, industry-specific guidance for applying the broad ISA/IEC 62443 standards to safeguard critical power infrastructure.

Jesus Molina is a former hacker, his research on offensive security in industrial systems has been echoed by many publications and media, including Wired and NPR.

Additionally, Dr. Jesus Molina will be hosing a free webinar "Industry-Specific 62443 Insights for Power Generation" - September 18th at 11am EST.

Why Another Guide on 62443??

The ISA/IEC 62443 standards offer comprehensive guidance on securing Operational Technology (OT) systems, yet applying these standards to the power generation sector can be challenging. Because of these needs, we thought a comprehensive guide and focused webinar was needed on how these standards can be tailored specifically for power generation, making them more effective and easier to implement.??

Understanding the 62443 Standards…but with Power Generation in Mind?

The ISA/IEC 62443 standards are globally recognized as essential for enhancing OT security across various industries. However, the standards are designed to be horizontal, meaning they apply broadly across industries without specific guidance for verticals like power generation. This flexibility can create complexity, especially when deciding how to apply risk assessments, zoning requirements, and controls in a power plant environment.?

Recently, various industries have recognized the need for more tailored guidance within the 62443 framework. The rail sector, for example, has developed Technical Specification 50701 (TS-50701), which is evolving into the IEC 62451 standard, to address cybersecurity challenges unique to rail systems.??

Guidance Focus??

This is a no-nonsense guide designed to help you confidently create a program based on 62443, tailored specifically to the needs of power generation. We will cover the following topics, among others:?

1. Certification Simplified: Certification against the 62443 standards can be complicated, often misunderstood, and sometimes ineffective for power generation networks. This guide clarifies certification procedures, making the process more straightforward and relevant.?
2. Consequence-Driven Risk Assessment: Traditional risk assessments may not account for high-impact, low-probability scenarios that are unacceptable in power generation. A consequence-driven approach, consistent with 62443 is proposed to better identify and mitigate these risks from the outset.?
3. Tailored Zoning and Interconnected Structures: Power generation facilities have unique needs, especially regarding safety-critical and equipment protection sub-networks. This guide proposes a zoning structure that addresses these specific requirements, and which conduits make sense, based on a power generation asset model.?
4. Engineering-Grade Controls: While 62443’s highest Security Level 4 (SL4) addresses nation-state attacks, classifying all networks as SL4 is extraordinarily expensive. Instead, we propose engineering-grade controls that reduce the burden on cybersecurity measures.?

The Goal: A Modern Cybersecurity Program for Power Generation?

Applying the 62443 standards to power generation involves more than just following the guidelines. It requires a modern, engineering-driven cybersecurity assessment that prioritizes synchronization with engineering teams. This approach ensures that cybersecurity is integrated into the engineering process from the outset, rather than being treated as an afterthought.?

As technology and threats evolve, so must our approach to cybersecurity. The integration of cloud technologies, the rise of Zero Trust models, and the need for remote access are just a few of the modern challenges that power generation facilities must address.?

The yet to be released eBook and upcoming webinar aim to do just that: interpret a great standard like 62443 to help create a better, modern, and focused cybersecurity program for power generation.?

Click here to register for the webinar September 18th at 11am EST - Industry-Specific 62443 Insights for Power Generation