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

ISA/IEC 62443-2-1 introduces a cybersecurity maturity model to help asset owners understand how consistently and effectively their cybersecurity processes are implemented. The maturity concept focuses on process consistency, documentation, and repeatability, rather than technical sophistication.

Step 1: Understand Level 1 – Initial

Level 1 is defined as an ad-hoc and reactive state. Processes are informal, inconsistently applied, and often dependent on individual knowledge or shift-specific practices. Documentation is minimal or nonexistent, and outcomes vary widely.

Step 2: Match the scenario to the definition

The question explicitly states that cybersecurity processes “vary widely across shifts and teams.” This lack of consistency and standardization is the defining characteristic of Level 1 maturity. There is no evidence of enforced procedures, standardized training, or governance.

Step 3: Why higher levels do not apply

Level 2 requires documented procedures and basic training.

Level 3 requires repeatable, practiced, and consistently applied processes.

Level 4 requires measurement and continuous improvement.

Step 4: ISA/IEC 62443 intent

The standard emphasizes that many organizations begin at Level 1 and progressively mature. Identifying this baseline is critical before attempting to implement advanced controls.

Therefore, the correct classification is Level 1 – Initial.

Patches are software updates that fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or improve performance or functionality. Patches are important for maintaining the security and reliability of an IACS environment, but they also pose some challenges and risks. Applying patches in an IACS environment is not as simple as in an IT environment, because patches may affect the availability, integrity, or safety of the IACS. Therefore, patches should not be applied blindly or automatically, but based on the organization’s risk assessment. The risk assessment should consider the following factors: 1

The severity and likelihood of the vulnerability that the patch addresses

The impact of the patch on the IACS functionality and performance

The compatibility of the patch with the IACS components and configuration

The availability of a backup or recovery plan in case the patch fails or causes problems

The testing and validation of the patch before applying it to the production system

The communication and coordination with the stakeholders involved in the patching process

The documentation and auditing of the patching activities and results References: ISA TR62443-2-3 - Security for industrial automation and control systems, Part 2-3: Patch management in the IACS environment

ISA/IEC TR 62443-1-5 provides formal guidance on the creation and structure of cybersecurity profiles within the ISA/IEC 62443 framework. A security profile is intended to tailor existing requirements to a specific industry sector, application, or use case without altering the integrity of the base standard.

Step 1: Purpose of a security profile

The technical report clarifies that profiles are selections and combinations of existing requirements, not a mechanism to invent new controls. Profiles ensure consistent application of ISA/IEC 62443 while addressing sector-specific risk, regulatory, or operational needs.

Step 2: Authorized source documents

TR 62443-1-5 explicitly states that security profiles may reference requirements from:

ISA/IEC 62443-2-1 (asset owner security program requirements)

ISA/IEC 62443-2-4 (service provider requirements)

ISA/IEC 62443-3-3 (system security requirements)

ISA/IEC 62443-4-1 (secure product development lifecycle)

ISA/IEC 62443-4-2 (technical component requirements)

These documents collectively cover organizational, system, and component security.

Step 3: Why other options are incorrect

Limiting profiles to only Parts 3-3 and 4-1 excludes governance and lifecycle requirements.

Parts 1-1 and 1-2 are foundational and definitional, not requirement sources.

Referencing standards outside the 62443 family violates the intent of maintaining internal consistency.

Step 4: Standard integrity

By restricting profiles to these documents, ISA ensures profiles remain interoperable, auditable, and certifiable.

Thus, Option C is the only correct answer.

The Modbus Application Protocol is a messaging protocol that provides client/server communication between devices connected on different types of buses or networks. It is positioned at level 7 of the OSI model, which is the application layer. The application layer is the highest level of the OSI model and defines the rules and formats for data exchange between applications. The Modbus Application Protocol is independent of the underlying communication layers and can be implemented using different transport protocols, such as TCP/IP, serial, or Modbus Plus. The Modbus Application Protocol defines the function codes, data formats, and error codes for Modbus transactions123 References:

MODBUS APPLICATION PROTOCOL SPECIFICATION V1

Modbus - Wikipedia

Overview of Modbus — EPICS support for Modbus - GitHub Pages

 A router and a VPN can be employed as barrier devices in a segmented network. A barrier device is a device that controls the flow of traffic between different network segments, based on predefined rules and policies1. A router is a device that forwards packets between different networks, based on their IP addresses2. A router can act as a barrier device by applying access control lists (ACLs) or firewall rules to filter or block unwanted or malicious traffic2. A VPN is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between different networks, such as a remote site and a corporate network3. A VPN can act as a barrier device by encrypting the traffic and authenticating the users or devices that access the network3. A VPN can also prevent unauthorized access or eavesdropping by outsiders3.

According to the ISA/IEC 62443-2-1 standard, security policy, organization, and awareness is one of the four foundational requirements for an IACS security management system. It defines the “policies, procedures, and organizational structure necessary to support the security program” 1. One of the elements of this requirement is staff training and security awareness, which involves “providing appropriate security education and training to all personnel who have access to or are responsible for IACS components” 1. This element aims to ensure that the staff are aware of the security risks, policies, and procedures, and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. Staff training and security awareness can include topics such as security principles, threats and vulnerabilities, incident response, password management, physical security, and social engineering 2. References:

ISA/IEC 62443 Series of Standards - ISA

Security of Industrial Automation and Control Systems - ISAGCA

An asset model is a structured framework used to catalog, categorize, and manage assets in an industrial control environment. It allows organizations to track the status, relationships, and criticality of equipment, supporting effective risk management and security planning.

“Asset models define the components of the system and their interrelationships to support activities such as risk analysis, security monitoring, and maintenance.”

— ISA/IEC 62443-1-1:2007, Clause 4.3 – Asset and Component Modeling

In contrast:

Conduits represent communication paths between zones

Security zones group assets by security requirements

Reference architectures are templates for system design—not for tracking assets

The OSI model defines 7 layers for standardizing communications in network systems. The Transport Layer is responsible for reliable data transfer between end systems, including flow control, error correction, and segmentation. It sits between the Network Layer and the Session Layer.

The correct OSI model from top to bottom is:

Application

Presentation

Session

Transport ← Missing layer

Network

Data Link

Physical

“The transport layer provides transparent transfer of data between end users, ensuring complete data transfer.”

— ISA/IEC 62443-3-3:2013, Annex A – Communications Stack and Layered Security Concepts

Understanding the OSI model is crucial when designing secure industrial networks, as ISA/IEC 62443 advocates for layered defense ("defense in depth") at all levels.