Standard Translation Cybersecurity & Defense: The IEC 62443-4-1 Standard at Leroy

Solution de cybersécurité défense et électronique industrielle Leroy Automation.

Cybersecurity & Defense: Leroy Automation places IEC 62443-4-1 at the heart of its electronic design

In the era of Industry 4.0 and increasing system interconnection, cybersecurity in the defense and critical infrastructure sectors is no longer an option—it is a vital requirement. PLCs and embedded computers have become prime targets for sophisticated attacks.

To meet these challenges, Leroy Automation is taking a decisive step by integrating the IEC 62443-4-1 standard from the very inception of its products. By adopting a Security by Design strategy, we guarantee our partners maximum resilience against digital threats, from initial design through to long-term operational maintenance.

In the era of connected industry and sovereignty challenges, cybersecurity is no longer an option but an essential requirement for electronic product manufacturers. PLCs, smart sensors, and embedded equipment are now exposed to increasingly sophisticated threats, particularly in critical sectors such as Defense and Rail.

In this context, Leroy Automation stands out as a trusted partner by integrating the IEC 62443-4-1 standard from the very first stages of design.

IEC 62443-4-1: A Benchmark Standard for Cybersecurity and Defense

The IEC 62443-4-1 standard is part of the international series dedicated to the cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It focuses specifically on the Secure Product Development Lifecycle, defining strict requirements that manufacturers must meet throughout the product’s entire life cycle.

The Concept of “Security by Design”

Unlike a reactive or corrective approach, IEC 62443-4-1 promotes the concept of “Security by Design.” Leroy Automation’s objective is clear:

  • Anticipate cyber risks from the earliest stages of development.

  • Reduce structural vulnerabilities.

  • Lower the costs associated with late-stage fixes.

  • Protect our end customers’ critical infrastructure.

The Pillars of a Robust Development Process

To ensure optimal protection, our development process relies on the core pillars of the IEC 62443 certification:

  • Cybersecurity Requirements Management: Identifying and formalizing security needs starting from the specification phase.

  • Threat and Risk Analysis: Systematically evaluating attack scenarios to tailor security measures.

  • Secure Design: Integrating native mechanisms (strong authentication, access control, signed update management, and logging).

  • Rigorous Development and Testing: Applying secure coding best practices and vulnerability testing (pen-testing).

  • Patch Management: Ensuring the capability for a rapid response if a vulnerability is discovered after the product is on the market.

A Competitive Advantage for Defense Stakeholders

Adopting IEC 62443-4-1 is a powerful driver of competitiveness. Industrial clients and Defense players now demand a high level of evidence regarding the resilience of the products they integrate.

A process compliant with this standard strengthens trust and prepares companies for upcoming European regulatory obligations (such as the Cyber Resilience Act – CRA). By structuring this process, Leroy Automation enhances its internal maturity, fosters R&D collaboration, and mitigates the legal and financial risks associated with cyber incidents.

Towards More Resilient Electronic Products

In the face of increasing cyberattacks targeting sensitive environments, IEC 62443-4-1 provides the most robust framework for designing safer, more reliable, and more durable products.

Leroy Automation has chosen to invest in these standardized developments to protect its innovations, its customers, and its reputation for the future.