UTC Partners with ISASecure to Promote ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Standards Adoption

UTC and ISASecure Partnership to Advance Cybersecurity

DURHAM, N.C. – In a significant stride towards bolstering cybersecurity in industrial automation, the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has officially partnered with ISASecure, the leading global certification program dedicated to validating the cybersecurity of industrial automation control systems.

The ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards serves as the backbone of this partnership, providing comprehensive guidelines for enhancing security in operational technology (OT) environments. With cyber threats escalating, both organizations are committed to ensuring that critical infrastructure remains secure through broader adherence to these rigorous standards.

About UTC and ISASecure
UTC is an influential association that centers on the convergence of telecommunications and utility infrastructures. It plays a pivotal role in advocating for organizations that manage critical utility telecommunications systems. Through educational initiatives and collaborative efforts, UTC aims to foster a robust business and regulatory environment that supports the telecom and utility sectors.

Mark DeAngelo, the program manager for ISASecure, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming UTC into the program, emphasizing the necessity for a validated cybersecurity strategy in today’s landscape of critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. The partnership reinforces a mutual commitment to safeguard OT systems against a myriad of cyber threats.

Cordell Briggs, UTC’s vice president of advocacy and cybersecurity, emphasized that the collaboration aligns perfectly with UTC's strategic objectives, focusing on security in the utilities sector and providing crucial education on cybersecurity requirements. He stated, “We are thrilled to join forces with ISASecure to facilitate the adoption of these essential standards.”

Enhancing Cybersecurity Recognition
One of the significant outcomes of the UTC and ISASecure partnership is that the ISASecure certification will now be prominently recognized within the UTC ARMOR™ program. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility and acknowledgment of vendors who conform to the ISA/IEC 62443 series standards, thereby elevating their credibility in securing OT environments.

UTC's Efforts and Previous Collaborations
Prior to this collaboration, UTC had been engaged with the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA) to promote cybersecurity education and awareness. Together, they shed light on the relevance of the ISA/IEC 62443 standards through a comparative analysis report on North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP). This report, produced alongside Cumulys and ISAGCA in 2024, serves as a vital resource for understanding framework compatibilities in securing critical infrastructure.

To further complement their efforts, UTC has conducted multiple webinars with ISAGCA to disseminate insights and findings regarding cybersecurity strategies in the utilities sector.

About ISASecure
Founded by the International Society of Automation (ISA) in 2007, ISASecure offers globally recognized cybersecurity certifications specifically tailored for industrial automation control systems. By adhering to stringent standards, ISASecure not only validates products but also verifies the security practices of suppliers involved in OT.

Organizations such as BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Honeywell, Siemens, and AWS have joined the ISASecure ecosystem, underscoring the program's importance in today’s industrial landscape. An additional assessment scheme, the ACSSA, is expected to be released by Fall 2025, which will aid asset owners in evaluating the robustness of their control systems against the ISA/IEC 62443 standards.

Conclusion
The partnership between UTC and ISASecure marks a pivotal moment in advancing the cause of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure. With both organizations dedicated to fostering industry collaboration and adherence to recognized standards, the future looks promising for securing operational technology systems against ever-evolving cyber threats.

For more information on ISASecure and its initiatives, visit www.isasecure.org.

For further insights into the International Society of Automation, explore www.isa.org.