BS EN IEC 62645:2020 - Cybersecurity Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and energy, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, especially in critical sectors such as nuclear power. The BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard is a comprehensive guide that addresses the cybersecurity requirements for instrumentation, control, and electrical power systems in nuclear power plants. Released on August 20, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities.

Overview of the Standard

The BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard provides a detailed framework for implementing cybersecurity measures in nuclear power plants. It is designed to protect the critical systems that control and monitor nuclear facilities from cyber threats. With a total of 60 pages, this standard offers in-depth guidance on how to safeguard these systems against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber risks.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The standard covers all aspects of cybersecurity for nuclear power plants, including instrumentation, control, and electrical power systems.
• Up-to-Date Guidelines: Released in 2020, the standard reflects the latest advancements and challenges in the field of cybersecurity.
• International Recognition: As a part of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards, it is recognized and applicable worldwide.

Importance of Cybersecurity in Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants are critical infrastructure facilities that require robust security measures to prevent potential threats. Cybersecurity is a vital component of this security framework, as it protects the digital systems that control nuclear reactors and other essential operations. The BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard provides the necessary guidelines to ensure that these systems are secure from cyber attacks, which could have catastrophic consequences.

Why Choose BS EN IEC 62645:2020?

Choosing the BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard means opting for a reliable and internationally recognized framework for cybersecurity in nuclear power plants. Here are some reasons why this standard is indispensable:

• Proven Expertise: Developed by experts in the field, the standard incorporates the latest knowledge and best practices in cybersecurity.
• Comprehensive Approach: It addresses all potential cyber threats and provides a holistic approach to securing nuclear power systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to this standard helps nuclear facilities comply with international regulations and standards.

Technical Details

The BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard is identified by the standard number BS EN IEC 62645:2020 and is available under the ISBN 978 0 539 15055 1. It is a standard document, meaning it provides a set of guidelines and requirements that are recognized and used globally.

Structure and Content

With 60 pages of detailed content, the standard is structured to provide clear and actionable guidance. It includes sections on risk assessment, security controls, incident response, and more. Each section is designed to help nuclear facilities implement effective cybersecurity measures tailored to their specific needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BS EN IEC 62645:2020 standard is an essential resource for any nuclear power plant looking to enhance its cybersecurity posture. By following the guidelines outlined in this standard, facilities can protect their critical systems from cyber threats and ensure the safe and secure operation of their nuclear reactors. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying ahead with the latest standards like BS EN IEC 62645:2020 is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of nuclear power plants worldwide.

BS EN IEC 62645:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 62645:2020 Nuclear power plants. Instrumentation, control and electrical power systems. Cybersecurity requirements is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.120.20 Nuclear power plants. Safety

1.1 General

This document establishes requirements and provides guidance for the development and management of effective computer security programmes for I&C programmable digital systems. Inherent to these requirements and guidance is the criterion that the power plant I&C programmable digital system security programme complies with the applicable country’s requirements.

This document defines adequate measures for the prevention of, detection of and reaction to malicious acts by digital means (cyberattacks) on I&C programmable digital systems. This includes any unsafe situation, equipment damage or plant performance degradation that could result from such an act, such as:

• malicious modifications affecting system integrity;

• malicious interference with information, data or resources that could compromise the delivery of or performance of the required I&C programmable digital functions;

• malicious interference with information, data or resources that could compromise operator displays or lead to loss of management of I&C programmable digital systems;

• malicious changes to hardware, firmware or software at the programmable logic controller (PLC) level.

Human errors leading to violation of the security policy and/or easing the aforementioned malicious acts are also in the scope of this document.

This document describes a graded approach scheme for assets subject to digital compromise, based on their relevance to the overall plant safety, availability, and equipment protection.

Excluded from the scope of this document are considerations related to:

• non-malevolent actions and events such as accidental failures, human errors (except those impacting the performance of cybersecurity controls) and natural events. In particular, good practices for managing applications and data, including back-up and restoration related to accidental failure, are out of scope;

  NOTE 1 Although such aspects are often covered by security programme in other normative contexts (e.g., in the ISO/IEC 27000 series or in the IEC 62443 series), this document is only focused on the protection against malicious acts by digital means (cyberattacks) on I&C programmable digital systems. The main reason is that in the nuclear generation domain, other standards and practices already cover accidental failures, unintentional human errors, natural events, etc. The focus of IEC 62645 is made to provide the maximum consistency and the minimum overlap with these other nuclear standards and practices.

• site physical security, room access control and site security surveillance systems. These systems, while not specifically addressed in this document, are to be covered by plant operating procedures and programmes;

  NOTE 2 This exclusion does not deny that cybersecurity has clear dependencies on the security of the physical environment (e.g., physical protection, power delivery systems, heating/ventilation/air-conditioning systems (HVAC), etc.).

• the aspect of confidentiality of information about I&C digital programmable systems is out of the scope of this document (see 5.4.3.2.3).

Annex A provides a rationale for and comments about the scope, definition and the document's application, and in particular about the exclusions and limitations previously mentioned.

Standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 are not directly applicable to the cyber protection of nuclear I&C programmable digital systems. This is mainly due to the specificities of these systems, including the regulatory and safety requirements inherent to nuclear facilities. However, this document builds upon the valid high level principles and main concepts of ISO/IEC 27001:2013, adapts them and completes them to fit the nuclear context.

This document follows the general principles given in the IAEA reference manual NSS17.