Why APEM selected IEC 62443-4-1
APEM and IDEC have selected IEC 62443-4-1 as the foundation of their approach to product cybersecurity development. The standard provides a recognised framework and supports preparation for current and upcoming European regulatory requirements.
In particular, the methodology helps structure activities related to:
- the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA);
- the EU Machinery Regulation;
- cybersecurity risk analysis;
- technical documentation;
- conformity assessment preparation.
PSIRT: vulnerability management after product release
Secure product development does not end when a product leaves the factory. New vulnerabilities may emerge during operation, requiring manufacturers to assess their potential impact and determine whether corrective measures are needed.
To address this, APEM has established a Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT).
The team handles vulnerability reports, evaluates their severity and coordinates the necessary corrective actions and related communications.
Building cybersecurity expertise across APEM and IDEC
IEC 62443-4-1 is part of a broader initiative to strengthen cybersecurity expertise across the APEM and IDEC Group.
As part of this initiative, APEM has established a Functional Safety and Cybersecurity Competence Center in France, supporting product teams with methodology, development and certification activities.
For OEMs and system integrators, this means that IEC 62443-4-1 is not treated as a standalone certification exercise. Instead, it is part of a broader programme to integrate cybersecurity into APEM’s engineering processes, product architectures and lifecycle support.
Key takeaways
- APEM has achieved IEC 62443-4-1 Maturity Level 2.
- Cybersecurity is integrated into a structured secure product development lifecycle.
- This approach supports preparation for the CRA and EU Machinery Regulation.
- The next step is to extend the framework towards product-level certification and lifecycle security.
