Over the last year, as we’ve spent more time inside and online, we have seen a consistent rise in cyber-attacks. In fact, research released by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity reported that the number of cyber attacks has only continued to increase throughout 2020.

As the pandemic took hold and remote working became the new normal for the majority of us, hackers were certainly quick to take full advantage. Throughout, global healthcare organisations, hotel chains, social media companies, and many more, have also been targeted or have fallen victim to cyber-attacks.

Unfortunately, the number of cyber-attacks that individuals and organisations face is only set to increase. That is why businesses need to take action to ensure their risk exposure is reduced.

In the face of existing and new risks, industrial automation and control systems are a particular concern. Businesses will need to consider the extension of cybersecurity measures as a priority.

When, across Europe, factories are becoming increasingly connected as they invest in becoming smarter to boost productivity and efficiency, they must consider the impact of an unsecure network and double down on security to avoid disrupting services and prevent physical harm.

This is why the IEC 62443-4-1 Product Security Development Life-Cycle Requirements certification – an industry cybersecurity standard in industrial automation awarded by the internationally recognised certification organisation – TÜV Nord, is essential for companies operating in this space.

The certification was developed as part of a framework to address current and future security vulnerabilities in industrial automation and control systems. Falling under the IEC 62443 standards series, the IEC 62443-4-1 is awarded to companies able to demonstrate compliance with the process requirements for the secure development of products used in industrial automation and control systems.  It underpins the secure product development life-cycle to include security requirements definition, design, implementation, verification and validation, as well as management and product end-of-life.

In line with the IEC 62443-4-1 Product Security Development Life-Cycle Requirements certification security by design is a vital part of the developmental phase and implemented in the products right from the beginning – helping to eliminate potential vulnerabilities further down the product’s life cycle.

Companies that have been awarded the IEC 62443-4-1 certification are able to provide reassurance to partners that operate automation and control systems that their products are safe and secure. Committed to quality and creating its entire portfolio of products to meet strict security requirements, D-Link has been certified with the IEC 624430-4-1 certification – reinforcing its secure product development, quality assurance processes and ongoing commitment to data privacy and user security.