ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance to create standards guide for manufacturers

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has committed to several new projects, including a standards guide for manufacturers, through its recently formed ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA), which is working toward building awareness about cybersecurity in industry.

The ISAGCA consists of subject matter experts, ISA staff and outside experts and has been divided into four focus groups: awareness and outreach, compliance and prevention, education and training, and advocacy and adoption.

“Unifying and intensifying the work of experts around the world, regardless of affiliation, is a key part of ISAGCA’s mission,” says Mary Ramsey, ISA executive director. “We believe that automation providers, cybersecurity vendors, asset owners, government agencies, research groups and others involved in cybersecurity efforts are stronger together.”

In 2020, the groups will be working on the following:

• A user-friendly condensed guide to implementing the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards
• A consolidated matrix that cross-references all cybersecurity-related standards to ISA/IEC 62443 principles
• A roadmap for expanded cooperation with worldwide governments that are currently referencing the standards in their regulatory requirements or recommended practices
• A multi-dimensional reference guide mapping system lifecycle phases and stakeholder roles to specific automation cybersecurity knowledge, skills and abilities needed to manage each phase
• Publishing industry vertical overlays to the ISA/IEC 62443 standards for building automation, medical devices and other sectors
• A database of speakers with expertise and experience in automation cybersecurity and associated commitments for speaking opportunities at industry events

In addition to identifying and starting work on these priority projects, the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance has more than tripled its founding members with the addition of 23 new companies and organizations to its membership.

At the end of July, ISAGCA announced Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Claroty and Nozomi Networks as its initial founding members. A number of additional companies have since joined the ISAGCA as founding members.

End users, asset owners, government agencies and other cybersecurity-focused organizations are welcome to join the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance.