Applied Risk a specialist in industrial security, has today launched a new programme to help industrial operators and suppliers across Europe achieve compliance with IEC 62443 standards. The aim is to increase preparedness for the EU Directive on Security of Network and Information Systems (the NIS Directive), due to come into effect in May of this year.
The programme is a collaboration between Applied Risk and international safety and security expert DEKRA, which will help guide industrial operators through a review of their current cyber security measures, and provide assistance with the implementation of best practice processes to ensure the correct protection mechanisms are in place and adhered to.
Auke Huistra, Partner and Security Consult5ant at Applied Risk, said: “The NIS Directive is coming and while there is still time to prepare, large fines of up to €17m could have a devastating impact on industrial facilities. However, that shouldn’t be the motivating factor for compliance. A truly forward-thinking business is a cyber secure one. Productivity, efficiency and staff safety can only be assured with the correct cyber security credentials in place. Adherence with the NIS Directive and IEC 62443 certification will provide assurance for this.”
Auke Huistra continued: “Programmes such as this will play a vital role in helping those in charge of industrial facilities to meet industry standards, alleviate the threat of fines and most importantly, maintain secure and reliable working environments.
Beat Kreuter, Director Global Operations at DEKRA, said: “In 2017, DEKRA was the first European organisation that was recognised to perform assessments and issue certificates for IEC 62443 compliance, the leading cybersecurity standard for industrial automation, healthcare and industry 4.0 applications. Working with Applied Risk to launch this new program highlights the importance of such certification schemes when aiming to achieve compliance with new regulations.”
