IEC 62443-2-3: These manufacturers support the standard

IEC 62443 is an international series of standards for cybersecurity in industrial automation. One of these standards is IEC 62443 2-3, Patch Management in IACS Environments. It aims to close security gaps in operating systems and applications.

We show you which manufacturers already support this patch management standard.

Goals of the IEC 62443

The main goal of IEC 62443 is to identify possible vulnerabilities in industrial control and communication technology and to develop adequate protective measures. Here you will find the structure of the IEC 62443 series of standards:

If you want to learn more about the standard, take a look at our Industrial IT Glossary article or read about it at the International Society of Automation (ISA).

IEC 62443-2-3: Patch Management in IACS Environments

According to the Department of Homeland Security and the “Seven Strategies to Defend ICSs” patch and configuration management is the second most important factor in preventing attacks on industrial systems at 29%. The BSI also has a corresponding component in its IT baseline protection with OPS.1.1.3: “Patch and Change Management.”

IEC 62443-2-3 is therefore an important component within the series of standards and focuses on patch management in IACS environments.

Unfortunately, the patch management process can be very time-consuming, labour-intensive and therefore costly if it is not automated as far as possible.

With IEC 62443-2-3, the ISA99 or IEC has created a “Technical Report” with a standardized XML format, which provides system operators with the results of manufacturer compatibility tests and can be used to automatically release or prevent corresponding updates for affected systems. This not only significantly reduces the amount of manual testing required, but also minimizes the potential for errors when creating and maintaining approved lists in the patch management solution.

Manufacturer overview

Vendor Patch Compatibility of IEC 62443-2-3

Here you will find a regularly updated overview of Vendor Patch Compatibility (VPC), which summarizes the current status of the most important manufacturers and integrators.

IEC 62443-2-3-compatible manufacturers

These manufacturers carry out internal tests and issue update approvals. They also provide IEC 62443-2-3-compliant XML.

• Siemens

Manufacturer with publicly accessible update information

These manufacturers carry out internal tests and issue update approvals. In addition, they make their update information publicly available in various ways.

• COPA-DATA
• Honeywell
• ProLeiT
• Rockwell
• Schneider Electric

Manufacturer with compatibility tests

We are not aware of any regular release process for these manufacturers, but internal compatibility tests are carried out on the updates.

• Beckhoff
• B&R
• Voith
• Zeiss

Manufacturers with their own services

These manufacturers offer their customers special offers and services for update management.

• ABB
• Emerson
• General Electric, additional information is available here (access data required)
• Kuka
• Yokogawa