ISA-IEC-62443 Exam Dumps - ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist

A control system, particularly in the context of IACS, is defined as a collection of hardware and software components used to monitor and control industrial processes. This includes PLCs, RTUs, SCADA software, HMIs, and communication networks.

“Control system: A set of hardware and software components that work together to monitor and control industrial or process operations.”

— ISA/IEC 62443-1-1:2007, Clause 3.3.5 – Terminology

While the other options describe security functions or consequences, only Option C accurately describes what a control system is.

SP Element 2 in ISA/IEC 62443-2-1 focuses on Configuration Management, with the asset inventory baseline as a foundational requirement.

Step 1: Purpose of an inventory baseline

The inventory baseline documents all hardware, software, firmware, and configuration items that make up the IACS. This establishes a known, trusted state of the system.

Step 2: Architecture visibility

By maintaining this baseline, the asset owner gains a clear and accurate understanding of the IACS architecture, including system components, versions, and dependencies.

Step 3: Why other options are incorrect

Physical access control and user authentication are addressed in different SP Elements. Event management detects anomalies, but it relies on the inventory baseline rather than replacing it.

Thus, the primary reason is to document IACS architecture.

ISA/IEC 62443 defines Security Levels (SL 0–4) as qualitative representations of the system’s ability to withstand different attacker capabilities. These definitions are consistent across system (3-3) and component (4-2) requirements.

Step 1: Understanding attacker models

SL 1 addresses casual or accidental misuse.

SL 2 addresses intentional violations using simple means and low skill.

SL 3 addresses intentional violations using sophisticated means with moderate skills.

SL 4 addresses highly sophisticated attackers with extended resources.

Step 2: Match requirement to definition

The question explicitly describes:

Intentional violations

Sophisticated means

Moderate skill level

This description directly aligns with the formal definition of SL 3.

Step 3: Why other SLs do not fit

SL 1 and SL 2 do not account for sophisticated attack techniques.

SL 4 assumes nation-state–level capability and extensive resources, which exceeds the stated threat.

Step 4: Risk-based targeting

ISA/IEC 62443-3-2 requires asset owners to select a Target Security Level (SL-T) based on risk assessment. When threats involve deliberate, technically capable attackers but not extreme resources, SL 3 is the appropriate target.

Therefore, the correct and standards-aligned answer is SL 3.

In ANSI/ISA-99.00.01:2007, which is part of the ISA/IEC 62443 standards, electronic security encompasses both the technical and human aspects of cybersecurity within industrial automated and control systems (IACS). Option B correctly highlights components such as computers, networks, operating systems, applications, and other programmable configurable components which are intrinsic to the system's electronic security framework. Option C is also correct as it includes the personnel, policies, and procedures which play a crucial role in securing these systems. This emphasizes that security is not only about the technological solutions but also about managing human elements and organizational processes effectively.

ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals References:

ISA/IEC 62443 standards focus on the holistic nature of security which is clearly supported by including both the technological (Option B) and human elements (Option C) in the definition of electronic security.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to block access to a computer system or data, typically by encrypting files, until a sum of money (ransom) is paid. This form of attack is increasingly targeting industrial automation and control system (IACS) environments due to the critical nature of these systems. Unlike phishing (which tricks users into revealing sensitive information) or DDoS attacks (which disrupt availability), ransomware specifically encrypts data and extorts the victim.

According to ISA/IEC 62443-2-3, patch testing involves several tasks to ensure the patch is safe and effective before deployment. These include:

File authenticity verification

Notification of applicable systems/users

Qualification and verification testing

However, a "removal procedure" is not listed as a standard activity under patch testing — although rollback planning might be a best practice, it is not specifically listed in the test phase.

“Patch testing activities include verification of patch authenticity, notification to relevant stakeholders, and qualification testing in a representative environment.”

— ISA/IEC 62443-2-3:2015, Clause 6.1.2 – Patch Testing and Validation

 Layer 2 of the OSI model is the data link layer, which is responsible for transferring data frames between nodes on a network segment. The data link layer is divided into two sublayers: logical link control (LLC) and media access control (MAC). The LLC sublayer deals with issues common to both dedicated and broadcast links, such as framing, flow control, and error control. The MAC sublayer deals with issues specific to broadcast links, such as how to access the shared medium and avoid collisions. The LLC and MAC sublayers are not related to the ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards, which focus on the security of industrial automation and control systems (IACS). References: https://www.baeldung.com/cs/data-link-sub-layers

https://bing.com/search?q=Layer+2+sublayers

ISA/IEC 62443 recognizes that some industries require sector-specific interpretations of cybersecurity controls. For the energy sector, ISO/IEC 27019 fills this role.

Step 1: Scope of ISO/IEC 27019

ISO/IEC 27019 provides information security controls specifically tailored for energy utility process control systems, including power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Step 2: Alignment with ISA/IEC 62443

ISO/IEC 27019 complements ISA/IEC 62443 by adapting ISMS-based controls to OT and ICS environments, addressing availability, safety, and real-time constraints.

Step 3: Why other options are less suitable

ISO/IEC 27001 is general-purpose and not ICS-specific. NIST SP 800-53 is broad and IT-centric. IEC PAS documents are not comprehensive sector standards.

Therefore, ISO/IEC 27019 is the most appropriate choice.