How Much Security is Needed for Your Building Control System?

A Simple Guide to Understanding BCS/ISA Security Levels

Some are actively trying to figure this out. Others are thinking about it, but they don’t invest the time to figure it out. Still, others haven’t come out of the starting blocking. It’s something they will do at some point—just not today.

All of these people do have one common problem: Figuring this stuff out is hard, right? Not really. The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) put together a series of standards for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), known as ISA/IEC 62443.

I breakdown each of the security levels in simple terms. Hopefully this helps you determine level of security you need to apply to your building systems.

In conclusion, the journey to securing a Building Control System can seem daunting, but it is manageable with the right approach. ISA has provided framework for understanding the security levels, from basic protections like locking your front door (SL 1) to advanced measures like having a security guard and fortified door (SL 4), organizations can effectively safeguard their systems against a range of threats.

Ultimately, the key is to start taking steps today, no matter how small, towards enhancing your cybersecurity posture. Whether you are just beginning to think about it or are already actively working on it, every effort counts in building a more secure and resilient infrastructure.