Definition and Purpose

IEC 62443 is an international series of standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to secure industrial automation and control systems (IACS). The standard outlines a comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to address threats across the entire lifecycle of operational technology (OT), including system design, implementation, operation, and maintenance. It applies to asset owners, system integrators, product suppliers, and operators who are responsible for protecting critical infrastructure from both external and internal threats.

IEC 62443 emphasizes risk-based segmentation, least privilege access, and role-based control, requiring organizations to identify assets, classify them by security level, and apply appropriate controls. Compliance with IEC 62443 helps organizations mitigate security risks, prevent downtime, and meet regulatory obligations across industries such as energy, manufacturing, water treatment, and transportation.

GateKeeper Proximity Enables Seamless IEC 62443 Compliance

GateKeeper Proximity helps organizations meet IEC 62443 requirements by delivering identity-bound, proximity-based authentication for all workstation and system access points. Each user is issued a secure token—hardware key, smartphone, or NFC badge—that automatically unlocks their workstation when they approach and locks it when they step away. This ensures that systems are never left open or vulnerable due to unattended sessions, one of the key concerns outlined in IEC 62443.

The platform supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access, aligning directly with IEC 62443’s focus on secure user identification and controlled system access. GateKeeper Hub provides centralized access control and real-time audit logging, giving administrators a complete record of user actions for compliance reporting and forensic analysis. By eliminating shared credentials and enforcing presence-based access, GateKeeper makes it easier to fulfill the standard’s technical and administrative controls without disrupting workflow efficiency.