Dr. Seyed Mohsen Mirsadri – Head of the Commission for Modern and Knowledge-Based Businesses at the Iran Chamber of Commerce
In today’s world, where industry and technology are more intertwined than ever with the internet, data, and networks, cybersecurity is no longer merely a priority but a strategic necessity for industrial sustainability. Intrusion into industrial systems is no longer a hypothetical scenario; it is a reality that can halt a factory production line or disrupt a power plant within seconds.
In such an environment, having a recognized framework for assessing and managing industrial cybersecurity is vital. This is where the international standard IEC 62443 plays a crucial role as the leading reference for securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT).
What is IEC 62443 and why does it matter?
IEC 62443 is a set of technical documents developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It provides a systematic approach to designing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating cybersecurity in industrial environments. The standard is based on the real needs of sectors such as energy, oil and gas, transportation, water, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure.
Key Features of IEC 62443:
• Comprehensive coverage of three core stakeholders in the value chain: product manufacturers, system integrators, and asset owners/operators
• Definition of technical and procedural requirements to mitigate cyber risks
• Alignment capability with management systems such as ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 9001
• Security maturity assessment and certification based on defined Security Levels
Real, Not Hypothetical Threats
Most modern industrial equipment is equipped with digital control systems, PLCs, network-connected sensors, and SCADA systems. While connectivity brings many benefits, it also creates exposure to cyber threats such as:
• Ransomware attacks on automation systems
• Factory network breaches leading to production shutdowns
• Manipulation of sensor data
• Sabotage of critical equipment
Without systematic assessment and cybersecurity compliance certification, no infrastructure can be considered truly secure.
Cybersecurity Conformity Assessment under IEC 62443
Conformity assessment involves verifying whether a system or product meets the security requirements defined by the standard. This process may include:
• Reviewing industrial system design and architecture
• Analyzing security configurations of equipment and networks
• Conducting penetration testing
• Auditing security documentation and policies
• Evaluating the security lifecycle
Specialized tools such as SIEM platforms for event analysis, vulnerability assessment tools, and automated penetration testing systems can be used during this process.
A Knowledge-Based Company Becomes Iran’s First R-NCB License Holder in Industrial Cybersecurity
A knowledge-based company in Iran has obtained the Recognizing National Certification Body (R-NCB) license with the support of the National Standards Organization of Iran. This achievement marks a strategic step toward the internationalization of Iran’s conformity assessment system. The license was issued under the global IECEE framework, recognizing the entity as a qualified body to identify, assess, and nominate testing laboratories (CBTL) and certification bodies (NCB) within the IECEE system.
The licensing process involved stringent managerial and technical requirements, personnel qualification, supervisory procedures, and evaluation by international bodies. Achieving this position reflects years of specialized efforts and close cooperation with international accreditation institutions.
Key Responsibilities of Iran’s R-NCB:
• Acceptance and evaluation of certificates issued by other international NCBs within the CB Scheme
• Comparison of technical and cybersecurity requirements of IECEE-certified equipment with Iranian national regulations
• Issuance of Iranian conformity certificates for equipment holding valid CB certificates and compliant with
domestic requirements
• Support for the development of specialized domestic CBTLs in industrial cybersecurity
• Enabling traceability and international acceptance of test results conducted in Iran
This structure enables:
• A transparent, reliable, and accelerated pathway for approving foreign equipment used in Iran’s industrial and critical projects
• Domestic manufacturers to utilize approved Iranian CBTLs for required testing
• Iran to gain a strategic position in the global conformity assessment ecosystem as one of the few regional countries with a formal R-NCB structure in the field of IEC 62443
Strategic Benefits for Iranian Industry
Expanding cybersecurity assessment and certification under IEC 62443 provides significant advantages:
• Enhancing exports of industrial equipment and systems
• Reducing reliance on foreign bodies and saving foreign currency
• Increasing trust of target markets in Iranian products
• Strengthening protection of critical infrastructure
• Empowering knowledge-based companies to compete in global tenders
Alignment with Domestic Regulations
IEC 62443 can complement national frameworks such as the Strategic Plan for Critical Infrastructure Protection, the Computer Crimes Law, and Passive Defense Organization requirements, contributing to a unified national industrial cybersecurity framework.
Next Steps: From Capacity to National Advantage
• Establishing specialized laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025
• Training professional assessors and auditors in accordance with IEC 62443
• Developing a national vulnerability database and testing tools
• Policymaker support for mandatory cybersecurity assessment in sensitive projects
• Introducing domestic and international training programs such as “ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Programs”
Conclusion
Industrial cybersecurity is the foundation of trust, safety, and competitiveness in today’s world. IEC 62443 provides a coherent framework to address modern industrial threats. Iran’s recognition as an R-NCB in this domain represents a milestone that should be transformed into a sustainable national advantage through strategic support and structured development.
