Introduction:

The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is set to introduce mandatory cybersecurity requirements for “products with digital elements”, including those used in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. This regulation, slated for enforcement beginning December 2027, aims to enhance cybersecurity across supply chains by ensuring that manufacturers design secure products, manage vulnerabilities effectively, and provide ongoing security support.

For organizations already implementing the IEC 62443 standard—a globally recognized cybersecurity framework for ICS/OT security—achieving CRA compliance will be more manageable. IEC 62443 provides a structured approach to secure system development, vulnerability management, and supply chain security, which directly aligns with the CRA’s objectives.

In this blog, we’ll explore how IEC 62443 can serve as a strong foundation for CRA compliance, reducing the burden of meeting new regulatory requirements.

Similarities and Differences Between CRA and IEC 62443

Both the EU CRA and IEC 62443 emphasize cybersecurity resilience, but they differ in scope and enforcement:

• CRA is a regulatory requirement, meaning non-compliance can lead to fines or product bans in the EU market.
• IEC 62443 is a voluntary global industry standard, but widely adopted in critical infrastructure sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation.

Despite these differences, IEC 62443 aligns closely with key CRA requirements, making it a valuable tool for compliance preparation.

How IEC 62443 Supports CRA Compliance

1. Security by Design

The CRA requires manufacturers to develop products with “security by design”, ensuring cybersecurity is embedded throughout the development lifecycle. IEC 62443-4-1 outlines secure software development lifecycle (SDL) practices, including:

• Threat modeling and risk assessment during design.
• Secure coding principles to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Security testing and verification before deployment.

By adopting IEC 62443-4-1, manufacturers of ICS/OT products can demonstrate adherence to CRA’s secure-by-design principles.

2. Product Security Requirements

IEC 62443-4-2 defines technical security requirements for ICS/OT components, covering:

• Identification & authentication controls
• Software integrity and hardening
• Resilience against cyberattacks
• Patch management and secure updates

These align with the CRA’s requirements for ensuring devices and software are hardened against cyber threats before entering the market.

3. Vulnerability Management

The CRA mandates ongoing vulnerability management, including:

• Monitoring security weaknesses
• Timely patching and security updates
• Coordinated vulnerability disclosure (CVD)

IEC 62443-3-2 provides a framework for doing risk assessments in ICS/OT environments, ensuring that security updates do not disrupt industrial operations. Organizations that already follow IEC 62443’s patching and update best practices will have a structured approach to meeting CRA’s demands.

4. Supply Chain Security

The CRA holds manufacturers responsible for third-party components used in their products. It requires:

• Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) to track dependencies
• Security assessments of suppliers
• End-of-life support commitments

IEC 62443-2-4 outlines security requirements for industrial automation and control system (IACS) suppliers, ensuring that vendors follow secure development and lifecycle practices. By enforcing IEC 62443-2-4 within their supply chain, manufacturers can reduce compliance risks under the CRA.

The Business Benefits of Leveraging IEC 62443 for CRA Compliance

1. Faster Compliance Readiness

Organizations that already adhere to IEC 62443 principles will have a head start in meeting CRA requirements, avoiding last-minute overhauls of security practices.

2. Reduced Risk of Non-Compliance Penalties

Since the CRA introduces fines of up to €15 million or 2.5% of global revenue, for non-compliances with essential cybersecurity requirements, aligning with IEC 62443 mitigates compliance risks by ensuring a strong security posture from the start.

3. Improved Market Competitiveness

Companies that demonstrate compliance with both IEC 62443 and the CRA can gain a competitive edge, as secure-by-design products will be a key requirement for customers and regulators.

Conclusion

The EU Cyber Resilience Act introduces stringent cybersecurity requirements for digital products, but organizations that already follow IEC 62443 will find compliance significantly easier. By leveraging IEC 62443-4-1, 4-2, 3-2, and 2-4, companies can align with CRA’s security mandates while enhancing the resilience of their ICS/OT environments.

As the CRA moves toward implementation, ICS/OT manufacturers, operators, and suppliers should begin mapping their IEC 62443 compliance efforts to the new regulation, ensuring they are fully prepared for the evolving EU cybersecurity landscape.