IEC 62443 certification service cuts IoT security costs

Advantech has launched its IEC 62443 Certification Service, which targets needs of edge computing equipment in accordance with IEC 62443 and related standards. Advantech has joined forces with Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, to provide this certification service and help customers overcome security challenges in AIoT and edge computing.

With the rapid growth of IoT and edge computing, managing and operating computing devices has become increasingly complex. The IEC 62443 series of standards provides a comprehensive security framework for IoT, widely adopted across industries such as energy, healthcare, and transportation, to prevent losses from information security vulnerabilities. However, the framework can be difficult to navigate. For example, IEC 62443-4-2 focuses on security specifications for systems, components, and more, focusing on protection at the lower embedded level. For equipment builders or system integrators, understanding and implementing these standards can be challenging. With the help of Bureau Veritas, Advantech has launched the “IEC 62443 Certification Service,” helping customers meet certification requirements while saving time and reducing costs.

Advantech offers a path to IEC 62443 CPU-based devices. With in-house testing and verification capabilities, Advantech collaborates with customers on compliance from product design to deployment. The path consists of two key components:

• IEC 62443-4-2 Functional Security: Advantech’s x86-based products will gradually incorporate basic protection measures, including firmware, operating systems, IoT connections, and more. These products will utilize tools such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and a whitelist control to enhance overall system security.
• Advanced testing and certification services: Advantech offers Verification of Conformity (VOC) or formal certification (CB). Customers can choose from four scenarios, depending on the need for IEC 62443-4-2 compliance. With their existing functional safety testing process methods, Advantech can help customers significantly reduce both the time and costs associated with certification. Notably, Advantech’s EV supply equipment (EVSE) controller, the AFE-E350, has acquired Bureau Veritas’ VoC. The same certification for the ARK-3534B, an industrial automation system, is underway.

Miller Chang, President of Advantech’s Embedded-IoT Group, emphasized that securing edge computing devices is a complex challenge that requires collaboration among customers, edge computing providers, and certification organizations. “By partnering with Bureau Veritas’ security team, we aim to empower customers across various industries to reduce certification costs and time, speed up the implementation of security measures, and achieve safe and smart IoT security”, said Miller.

Pascal Le Ray, Vice President of Bureau Veritas for Northeast Asia, pointed out that Advantech is a leader in the AIoT industry, with powerful edge computing platforms and software capabilities. Over the past year, Bureau Veritas has partnered with Advantech, investing significant resources to develop efficient and cost-effective certification solutions. “Looking ahead, we will continue to assist Advantech in gaining a greater competitive edge in international markets. As global awareness of cybersecurity rises, countries are implementing mandatory regulations, making it essential for companies to obtain IEC 62443 certification early on. This will greatly enhance their product competitiveness and help them seize international business opportunities.