In this episode of The Deep Dive, we explore a crucial topic at the heart of industrial cybersecurity — how to secure industrial network infrastructure in line with IEC 62443. As cyberattacks on manufacturing, energy, and other critical sectors continue to rise, organisations face growing pressure to protect not just their data, but their operations, safety, and reputation.
This discussion focuses on finding the right balance between certified secure hardware, proactive network monitoring, and disciplined patch management — the three pillars of resilient industrial security.
We break down:
- What the IEC 62443-4-2 certification really means for network components like switches, routers, and firewalls
- The benefits and challenges of deploying compliant hardware
- Why network visibility and continuous monitoring are indispensable for proactive defence
- The importance of firmware updates and patching to reduce attack surfaces
- How to combine these approaches in a layered, risk-based strategy that suits your operation’s size and criticality
Drawing on examples from industry leaders such as Moxa and insights inspired by IT4Automation’s approach, this episode illustrates how compliance, monitoring, and maintenance work together to form a unified defence-in-depth model for operational technology (OT) environments.
Key question:
When considering your own organisation’s risks and most vital assets, what’s the first step you’ll take to re-evaluate your industrial cybersecurity investment strategy?
Essential viewing for professionals in manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and critical infrastructure who are responsible for safeguarding OT networks and ensuring operational resilience.