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Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about securing your operations and building trust with your stakeholders. But the rise of the Industrial IoT (IIoT) has introduced a more complex regulatory landscape, making compliance harder than ever to achieve.Ìý

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential standards for IIoT compliance and provide actionable steps to meet these requirements effectively.

Key standards and regulations to know

Understanding the relevant standards is the first step to achieving compliance. Here are the key frameworks that guide IIoT security.

EU Cybersecurity Act

This regulation sets a framework for cybersecurity certification schemes, crucial for IIoT devices in Europe. It emphasizes the need for strong security standards in connected devices, making it essential for manufacturers to comply to avoid market access issues.

IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (USA)

This act mandates minimum security standards for IoT devices used by federal agencies but sets a precedent that influences broader industry practices. It focuses on secure development, vulnerability management, and controlled access, which are directly applicable to IIoT environments.

ENISA IoT Security Standards

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) provides guidelines that outline best practices for securing IoT devices, emphasizing areas like secure firmware updates, device authentication, and data encryption—all critical for IIoT deployments.

United Kingdom Product Security & Telecom Infrastructure (PSTI) Act

This act mandates stringent security requirements for consumer IoT devices, which often spill over into industrial settings, particularly around secure device identities and patch management.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Although typically associated with personal data, GDPR also impacts IIoT when handling any data that could be considered personal or related to identifiable individuals. Compliance requires strong encryption measures and data protection by design.

ISO/IEC 27001

This standard focuses on information security management systems (ISMS), emphasizing risk management, compliance with legal obligations, and continuous improvement, which are all essential for IIoT security practices.

What makes achieving compliance so challenging?

While compliance is essential, it’s not without its hurdles. Organizations often face significant challenges in aligning their IIoT deployments with regulatory standards:

• Legacy systems: Older devices often lack the necessary security features to meet modern compliance standards, making integration and protection difficult without substantial upgrades or replacements.
• Lack of visibility: Without clear visibility into device inventory and network activity, it’s nearly impossible to enforce compliance requirements or conduct effective audits. ¶ºÒõ¹Ý Device Trust Manager provides centralized visibility and management of all connected devices, enhancing your ability to identify and address compliance gaps.
• Resource constraints: Compliance requires ongoing effort, including regular assessments, updates, and staff training, which can strain already limited IT and security resources. ¶ºÒõ¹Ý TrustCore SDK simplifies the integration of compliance-related cryptographic features, reducing development overhead and resource strain.

5 steps to meet compliance requirements

Achieving compliance in IIoT environments demands a structured approach. Here are five practical steps to help your organization meet regulatory standards.

1. Implement strong access controls

Access controls are the cornerstone of compliance. Make sure only authorized personnel and devices can access your network. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access to critical systems and sensitive data. ¶ºÒõ¹Ý Device Trust Manager facilitates strong access control by authenticating devices with digital certificates, ensuring only trusted devices connect to your critical infrastructure.

2. Data privacy and protection measures

Compliance standards like GDPR emphasize data security, so it's essential that you encrypt data both at rest and in transit to protect against unauthorized access. Regularly review data flows to ensure that sensitive information is appropriately protected and in compliance with relevant laws. ¶ºÒõ¹Ý TrustCore SDK’s cryptographic capabilities ensure that your data remains protected throughout its lifecycle.

3. Regular audits and risk assessments

Regular audits help identify compliance gaps and vulnerabilities. Use automated tools to conduct risk assessments, scanning your network for outdated software, unpatched devices, and other security weaknesses that could lead to compliance failures. ¶ºÒõ¹Ý Device Trust Manager offers real-time visibility into device status and certificate management, aiding in audit readiness and compliance verification.

4. Update legacy systems with security patches

Legacy devices often pose a significant compliance risk. Implement a rigorous patch management process to ensure that all devices, including older ones, receive necessary security updates. If patching isn’t possible, consider network segmentation or compensating controls to isolate vulnerable devices.

5. Document everything

Implementing security controls is just one part of compliance—you also need to be able to prove that the controls are in place. Maintaining detailed documentation of your security policies, access controls, data protection measures, and audit results not only supports compliance but also strengthens your security posture.

How ¶ºÒõ¹Ý can help

¶Ù¾±²µ¾±°ä±ð°ù³Ù’s Device Trust Manager and TrustCore SDK are tailored to support compliance efforts across the IIoT ecosystem. Device Trust Manager provides centralized control over device authentication, certificate management, and secure onboarding, ensuring all devices meet industry standards. TrustCore SDK offers advanced cryptographic support, enabling secure communication and data protection to help meet regulatory requirements effortlessly.

Staying ahead of compliance is the key to staying secure

While navigating compliance in the IIoT landscape can be challenging, it’s essential for safeguarding assets, building stakeholder trust, and mitigating the risk of costly penalties. Aligning IIoT deployments with key regulatory standards and adopting robust compliance measures will help your organization stay secure and resilient in the face of evolving threats.

The latest developments in digital trust

Need help navigating IIoT compliance? ¶Ù¾±²µ¾±°ä±ð°ù³Ù’s expert solutions are here to support your compliance journey with secure device management and trusted communications. And if you want to learn more about topics like compliance, device trust, and the Internet of Things, subscribe to the ¶ºÒõ¹Ý blog to ensure you never miss a story.