Taiwanese AIoT platform provider Advantech has launched a certification service for edge computing equipment in accordance with IEC 62443 and related standards.

Advantech has joined forces with Bureau Veritas, a specialist in testing, inspection and certification, to help users overcome security problems in AIoT and edge computing. It says it can enhance software protection and significantly improve the efficiency of testing and certification.

With the rapid growth of IoT and edge computing, managing and operating computing devices has become increasingly complex. The IEC 62443 series of standards provides a comprehensive security framework for IoT, widely adopted across industries such as energy, healthcare and transportation, to prevent losses from information security vulnerabilities. However, the framework can be difficult to navigate.

For example, IEC 62443-4-2 focuses on security specifications for systems, components and more, focusing on protection at the lower embedded level. For equipment builders or system integrators, understanding and implementing these standards can be difficult. With the help of Bureau Veritas, Advantech has launched the IEC 62443 Certification Service, helping users meet certification requirements while saving time and reducing costs.

Advantech is a pioneer in industrial and embedded computing, providing an IEC 62443 offering for CPU-based devices. With in-house testing and verification capabilities, Advantech collaborates with customers on compliance from product design to deployment. The offering consists of two key components:

• IEC 62443-4-2 functional security: Advantech’s x86-based products will gradually incorporate basic protection measures, including firmware, operating systems and IoT connections. These products will use tools such as the trusted platform module (TPM) and a whitelist control to enhance overall system security.
• Testing and certification services: Advantech offers verification of conformity (VoC) or formal certification (CB). Customers can choose from four scenarios, depending on the need for IEC 62443-4-2 compliance. With their existing functional safety testing process methods, Advantech can help them reduce the time and costs associated with certification. Notably, its EV supply equipment (EVSE) controller, the AFE-E350, has acquired Bureau Veritas’ VoC. The same certification for the Ark-3534B, an industrial automation system, is underway.

Miller Chang, president of Advantech’s embedded-IoT group, said securing edge computing devices was complex and required collaboration among users, edge computing providers and certification organisations.

“By partnering with Bureau Veritas’ security team, we aim to empower customers across various industries to reduce certification costs and time, speed up the implementation of security measures, and achieve safe and smart IoT security”, said Chang.

Pascal Le Ray, vice president of Bureau Veritas, said Advantech (www.advantech.com) was a leader in the AIoT industry, with powerful edge computing platforms and software capabilities. Over the past year, Bureau Veritas has partnered with Advantech, investing resources to develop efficient and cost-effective certification.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to assist Advantech in gaining a greater competitive edge in international markets,” said Le Ray. “As global awareness of cyber security rises, countries are implementing mandatory regulations, making it essential for companies to obtain IEC 62443 certification early on. This will greatly enhance their product competitiveness and help them seize international business opportunities.”

Bureau Veritas (group.bureauveritas.com) is a French specialist in testing, inspection and certification, providing international services and related testing and certification support to manufacturers worldwide. Drawing on experience from France and Taiwan, its cyber-security experts employ a professional scientific testing and evaluation process to help manufacturers implement the IEC 62443 standards and achieve relevant certifications for network security compliance.

An Advantech whitepaper on IEC 62443 certification can be found at www.advantech.com/en/form/7379e3b5-11fb-4d47-b962-0de7b8df2a32?CMSID=61999798-d240-4193-8693-79b8fcbf6cd3.