Automation professionals can now gain an in-depth knowledge of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of industrial cybersecurity standards in just five days. The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently launched the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fast Track course, which will be offered in-person at ISA's headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.
What Is the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fast Track (IC48)?
Also known as IC48, the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fast Track is a five-day course that covers the first, second and third phases of the industrial automation control systems (IACS) cybersecurity lifecycle as defined in ISA/IEC 62443-1-1-2007, Security for Industrial automation and control systems – Part 1-1: Terminology, concepts and models. It combines content from three ISA courses: Assessing the Cybersecurity of New or Existing IACS Systems (IC33), IACS Cybersecurity Design & Implementation (IC34) and IACS Cybersecurity Operations & Maintenance (IC37).
As participants will explore in detail in IC48, the first IACS cybersecurity lifecycle phase is identifying and documenting IACSs, which includes performing cybersecurity vulnerability and risk assessments to identify and understand high-risk vulnerabilities that require mitigation. The second phase reviews the IACS cybersecurity lifecycle, focusing on activities associated with designing and implementing IACS cybersecurity countermeasures. Lastly, the third and final phase addresses the activities related to the ongoing operations and maintenance of IACS cybersecurity.
IC48 is fast-paced, condensing three other training courses into just five days. Only students who meet the established prerequisites may participate.
Who Can Enroll in IC48?
To sign up for IC48, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- You must have already earned the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certificate*
- Current job must be in the cybersecurity field
- Must have worked in the cybersecurity (or similar) field for the last three years
- Participants must have substantive (technical) knowledge of cybersecurity for IACS
*The ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certificate is obtained by successfully completing ISA's course, Using the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards to Secure Your Control Systems (IC32) and passing the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certificate exam. IC32 is offered in multiple formats in-person and online.
The following prerequisites are also recommended:
- Three to five years of experience in the IT cybersecurity field, with some experience in an industrial (OT) setting
- A minimum of two years of experience in a process control engineering setting
- Prior cybersecurity coursework is preferable
- One or more third-party OT cybersecurity certification(s)
- Existing familiarity with the ISA/IEC 62443 standards is helpful
If you are an established automation professional who has expertise in industrial cybersecurity and would like to validate your knowledge, IC48 is for you — especially if your position aligns with any of the following:
- Professionals involved in IACS cybersecurity
- System operators, engineers, IT and OT security personnel, network administrators and professionals responsible for managing or securing IACS environments
- Those in roles related to risk assessment, incident response and compliance within industrial settings
If you aren't sure if this particular course is for you, you can take the IC48 knowledge check. This form is designed to evaluate your level of understanding of the course material and show you the types of questions you'll be able to answer after completing the course.
How Does IC48 Fit Into the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program?
The certificate program has five certificates. Each of the first four certificates requires successful completion of a course and passing an exam. Certificate One — ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist — is required before taking certificate exams two, three and four.
This fast-track course may be taken in place of the courses for Certificates 2 to 4 (IC33, IC34 and IC37). After you successfully complete IC48, you may take each of the certificate exams separately and in any order. Course registration includes one exam for each corresponding course (IC33, IC34 and IC37).
The ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert certificate is awarded upon completing all four certificates. IC48 will give you the knowledge required to transform your ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certificate into an ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert certificate at the fastest possible pace.
Learn More and Register for IC48
Explore the learning objectives for IC48 as well as the specific topics covered at www.isa.org/ic48. You will also be able to review upcoming course offering dates and register for open spots.
Get on the fast track to being a validated IACS cybersecurity expert. Learn more about the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fast Track course at www.isa.org/ic48.
