1394  IoT Security Compliance Frameworks

1394.1 IoT Security Compliance Quick Reference

Time: ~20 min | Level: Intermediate

Understanding threats and vulnerabilities is essential, but demonstrating compliance with security standards is often required for IoT deployments in regulated industries. This section provides practical guidance on major security compliance frameworks and their application to IoT systems.

Different industries and regions require compliance with specific security standards:

Framework Scope IoT Relevance Key Requirements Certification Required Industry Focus
NIST Cybersecurity Framework US federal agencies + voluntary adoption High - comprehensive IoT guidance Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover No (self-assessment) Cross-industry
ISO/IEC 27001 Information security management High - applies to all IT/IoT systems ISMS, risk assessment, security controls Yes (3rd party audit) Cross-industry
IEC 62443 Industrial control systems Critical for IIoT Security levels (SL 1-4), zone segmentation Yes (component/system certification) Industrial IoT, OT
ETSI EN 303 645 Consumer IoT security Very high - designed specifically for IoT 13 provisions (no default passwords, secure updates, etc.) No (self-declaration) Consumer IoT devices
FDA Cybersecurity Medical device security Critical for medical IoT Premarket guidance, SBOM, updates, threat modeling Yes (FDA approval) Healthcare IoT
UL 2900-1 Software cybersecurity High for connected products Vulnerability testing, known vulnerability assessment Yes (UL certification) Consumer electronics, IoT
FIPS 140-2/3 Cryptographic modules Critical for government/regulated use Cryptographic algorithm and implementation validation Yes (NIST validation) Government, financial, healthcare
PCI DSS Payment card data security Medium for payment IoT Secure network, encryption, access control Yes (QSA audit) Retail IoT, payment terminals

1394.2 NIST Cybersecurity Framework for IoT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive IoT security guidance through multiple publications, with the Cybersecurity Framework being widely adopted across industries.

1394.2.1 NIST Cybersecurity Framework Core Functions

The framework organizes security activities into five concurrent and continuous functions:

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graph LR
    I[Identify<br/>Assets, risks,<br/>governance]
    P[Protect<br/>Safeguards,<br/>access control]
    D[Detect<br/>Anomalies,<br/>monitoring]
    R[Respond<br/>Response planning,<br/>mitigation]
    Re[Recover<br/>Recovery planning,<br/>improvements]

    I --> P --> D --> R --> Re
    Re -.-> I

    style I fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff
    style P fill:#16A085,stroke:#0e6655,color:#fff
    style D fill:#E67E22,stroke:#d35400,color:#fff
    style R fill:#e74c3c,stroke:#c0392b,color:#fff
    style Re fill:#9B59B6,stroke:#8e44ad,color:#fff

Figure 1394.1: NIST Cybersecurity Framework five core functions showing continuous security lifecycle.

1394.2.2 IoT-Specific Implementation Guide (NIST IR 8259)

Capability IoT Implementation Example
Device Identification Unique device identifier, asset type, manufacturer details Serial number, model number, firmware version API
Device Configuration Logical/physical interfaces, configuration settings management REST API for configuration, documented default settings
Data Protection Encryption of data at rest and in transit TLS 1.3 for communications, AES-256 for storage
Logical Access to Interfaces Authentication, authorization, access control lists Certificate-based auth, role-based access control (RBAC)
Software/Firmware Update Secure update mechanism with integrity verification Signed firmware updates, version rollback capability
Cybersecurity State Awareness Event logging, security posture monitoring Syslog to SIEM, tamper detection alerts

1394.2.3 NIST Compliance Checklist for IoT Manufacturers

TipNIST IoT Device Compliance Requirements

Device Identification (ID)

Device Configuration (DC)

Data Protection (DP)

Logical Access (LA)

Software/Firmware Updates (SU)

Cybersecurity State Awareness (SA)

1394.2.4 NIST 800-53 Security Controls for IoT

For federal systems, NIST SP 800-53 defines comprehensive security controls:

Control Family Example Controls IoT Application
AC - Access Control AC-2 (Account Management), AC-7 (Unsuccessful Logon Attempts) Unique device accounts, lockout after failed auth
AU - Audit and Accountability AU-2 (Event Logging), AU-9 (Protection of Audit Information) Log all security events, protect logs from tampering
CM - Configuration Management CM-3 (Configuration Change Control), CM-7 (Least Functionality) Change management for firmware updates, disable unused services
IA - Identification and Authentication IA-2 (User Identification), IA-5 (Authenticator Management) Certificate-based device identity, secure credential storage
SC - System and Communications Protection SC-8 (Transmission Confidentiality), SC-13 (Cryptographic Protection) TLS/DTLS for communications, FIPS-approved algorithms
SI - System and Information Integrity SI-2 (Flaw Remediation), SI-3 (Malicious Code Protection) Timely patching, malware detection on gateway

1394.3 ETSI EN 303 645 - Consumer IoT Security

The European standard EN 303 645 defines 13 security provisions specifically for consumer IoT devices. This is becoming a global baseline for IoT security.

1394.3.1 The 13 Provisions

# Provision Requirement IoT Implementation Verification
1 No default passwords Unique passwords per device OR user-set password on first use Generate unique password per device, printed on label Test: Can device be accessed with default credentials?
2 Implement vulnerability disclosure policy Public contact point for security researchers security@company.com, HackerOne program Test: Is security contact publicly documented?
3 Keep software updated Security updates for defined support period OTA updates, automatic update mechanism Test: Can device receive and install updates?
4 Securely store sensitive data Encrypt credentials and personal data AES-256 encryption for stored passwords, keys in Secure Element Test: Extract firmware and search for plaintext secrets
5 Communicate securely Use TLS/DTLS for network communications TLS 1.3 with certificate validation, no plaintext protocols Test: Packet capture shows encrypted traffic
6 Minimize exposed attack surfaces Disable unused services, ports, protocols Close unnecessary ports, disable debug interfaces in production Test: Port scan reveals only required services
7 Ensure software integrity Verify firmware authenticity before installation Cryptographic signature verification, secure boot Test: Can unsigned firmware be installed?
8 Ensure personal data is secure Comply with data protection regulations (GDPR) Encryption, access control, data minimization Test: Review data collection and storage practices
9 Make systems resilient to outages Graceful degradation, local operation capability Device functions locally during internet outage Test: Disconnect from internet, verify local operation
10 Examine system telemetry data Monitor security events and anomalies Log security events, integrate with SIEM Test: Generate security event, verify logged
11 Make it easy for users to delete personal data User-accessible data deletion mechanism Factory reset, cloud account deletion with data removal Test: Delete data, verify complete removal
12 Make installation and maintenance easy Clear security guidance for users Quick start guide includes security setup Test: Review user documentation for security info
13 Validate input data Sanitize all external input Input validation, parameterized queries, buffer bounds checking Test: Fuzz testing, SQL injection attempts

1394.3.2 ETSI Compliance Implementation Roadmap

TipETSI EN 303 645 Implementation Steps

Phase 1: Authentication & Access (Provisions 1, 6)

  • Week 1-2: Eliminate default passwords
  • Week 3-4: Disable unused network services
  • Deliverable: Authentication specification document

Phase 2: Communication Security (Provisions 4, 5)

  • Week 5-6: Implement TLS/DTLS for all communications
  • Week 7-8: Encrypt sensitive data at rest
  • Deliverable: Cryptographic architecture document

Phase 3: Software Integrity (Provisions 3, 7)

  • Week 9-10: Design secure update mechanism
  • Week 11-12: Implement firmware signature verification
  • Deliverable: Update architecture and test results

Phase 4: Data Protection (Provisions 8, 11)

  • Week 13-14: Implement GDPR-compliant data handling
  • Week 15-16: Add user data deletion capability
  • Deliverable: Privacy compliance documentation

Phase 5: Resilience & Monitoring (Provisions 9, 10)

  • Week 17-18: Ensure local operation capability
  • Week 19-20: Implement security event logging
  • Deliverable: Resilience test report

Phase 6: User Experience & Vulnerability Management (Provisions 2, 12, 13)

  • Week 21-22: Create user security documentation
  • Week 23-24: Establish vulnerability disclosure program
  • Week 25-26: Implement comprehensive input validation
  • Deliverable: User guide, security policy, validation test results

1394.3.3 Real-World ETSI Compliance Examples

Good Example: Philips Hue

  • Provision 1: Requires user to set password on first setup
  • Provision 3: Regular automatic firmware updates
  • Provision 5: Encrypted communication with cloud services
  • Provision 7: Signed firmware updates verified before installation

Bad Example: Many cheap IP cameras

  • Provision 1: Ships with โ€œadmin/adminโ€ default credentials
  • Provision 3: No firmware update mechanism
  • Provision 5: Streams video over unencrypted HTTP
  • Provision 6: Exposes Telnet, FTP, unnecessary services

1394.4 IEC 62443 - Industrial IoT Security

IEC 62443 is the international standard for industrial automation and control system (IACS) security. Critical for IIoT deployments.

1394.4.1 Security Levels (SL)

IEC 62443 defines four security levels based on threat sophistication:

Security Level Threat Description Attacker Profile IIoT Example
SL 1 Protection against casual or coincidental violation Unskilled individual with no specific target Basic smart building controls
SL 2 Protection against intentional violation using simple means Skilled individual with low resources, generic tools Industrial sensors on corporate network
SL 3 Protection against intentional violation using sophisticated means Skilled individual/group with moderate resources, custom tools Critical infrastructure monitoring
SL 4 Protection against intentional violation using sophisticated means with extended resources Highly skilled group with extensive resources (nation-state) Nuclear plant control, military IIoT

1394.4.2 Zone and Conduit Model

IEC 62443 uses network segmentation for defense in depth:

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graph TB
    subgraph "Internet Zone (SL1)"
    INT[Internet]
    end

    subgraph "DMZ Zone (SL2)"
    FW1[Firewall]
    DMZ[DMZ Servers]
    end

    subgraph "Enterprise Zone (SL2)"
    ENT[Enterprise Network]
    end

    subgraph "Control Zone (SL3)"
    FW2[Industrial Firewall]
    CTRL[Control Systems]
    end

    subgraph "Process Zone (SL4)"
    PLC[PLCs / RTUs]
    SENS[Sensors / Actuators]
    end

    INT --> FW1
    FW1 --> DMZ
    DMZ --> ENT
    ENT --> FW2
    FW2 --> CTRL
    CTRL --> PLC
    PLC --> SENS

    style INT fill:#7F8C8D,stroke:#5a6b6d,color:#fff
    style FW1 fill:#e74c3c,stroke:#c0392b,color:#fff
    style DMZ fill:#E67E22,stroke:#d35400,color:#fff
    style ENT fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff
    style FW2 fill:#e74c3c,stroke:#c0392b,color:#fff
    style CTRL fill:#16A085,stroke:#0e6655,color:#fff
    style PLC fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff
    style SENS fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff

Figure 1394.2: IEC 62443 zone and conduit architecture showing hierarchical network segmentation.

1394.4.3 IEC 62443 Foundational Requirements

Requirement Description IIoT Implementation
FR 1: Identification and Authentication Control Verify identity of users, processes, devices Certificate-based device identity, multi-factor authentication for operators
FR 2: Use Control Enforce authorization of user/device actions Role-based access control (RBAC), least privilege principle
FR 3: System Integrity Ensure system hasnโ€™t been tampered with Secure boot, firmware signature verification, file integrity monitoring
FR 4: Data Confidentiality Protect sensitive data from disclosure Encryption of data at rest and in transit (TLS, IPsec)
FR 5: Restricted Data Flow Segment network, control data flows between zones Firewalls, VLANs, unidirectional gateways
FR 6: Timely Response to Events Detect and respond to security events SIEM integration, automated alerting, incident response
FR 7: Resource Availability Ensure system remains available under attack DoS protection, redundancy, graceful degradation

1394.4.4 IEC 62443-4-2 Component Requirements Checklist

TipIEC 62443-4-2 Component Requirements

IAC - Identification and Authentication Control

UC - Use Control

SI - System Integrity

DC - Data Confidentiality

RDF - Restricted Data Flow

TRE - Timely Response to Events

RA - Resource Availability

1394.5 FDA Cybersecurity Guidance for Medical IoT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides cybersecurity guidance for medical devices, including IoT devices like insulin pumps, pacemakers, and remote patient monitoring systems.

1394.5.1 FDA Premarket Guidance (2023)

Requirement Description Example for IoT Medical Device
SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) List of all software components including versions Document all third-party libraries, OS components, open-source code
Cybersecurity Risk Management Threat modeling and risk assessment STRIDE analysis, attack tree, FMEA for cybersecurity
Security Architecture Design features that protect device End-to-end encryption, secure boot, access controls
Secure Software Development Security in development lifecycle Secure coding standards, code review, SAST/DAST testing
Vulnerability Management Plan for handling discovered vulnerabilities Vulnerability disclosure policy, coordinated disclosure process
Updates and Patches Mechanism for deploying security updates OTA update capability with authentication and integrity checks

1394.5.2 FDA Postmarket Requirements

TipFDA Postmarket Requirements

Monitoring & Detection

Incident Response

Updates & Patches

Transparency

1394.5.3 Medical IoT Specific Considerations

Unique Challenges:

  1. Patient Safety: Cybersecurity fixes must not introduce safety risks
  2. Legacy Devices: Many medical IoT devices remain in use 10-20 years
  3. Interoperability: Must work with other medical devices, hospital networks
  4. Regulatory Lag: Cybersecurity evolves faster than regulatory approval cycles

Example: Insulin Pump Security

  • Threat: Unauthorized wireless control could deliver fatal insulin dose
  • Mitigation: Encrypted communication, pairing mechanism, dosage limits, alerts for unusual activity
  • Regulation: FDA premarket cybersecurity review, postmarket monitoring

1394.6 Security Certification and Assessment Resources

1394.6.1 Third-Party Assessment Programs

Program Focus Benefits Process
IoT Security Foundation (IoTSF) Compliance Consumer/Industrial IoT Industry-recognized compliance mark Self-assessment + 3rd party audit
UL Cybersecurity Assurance Program (UL CAP) Product security testing UL certification mark Vulnerability testing + assessment
ioXt Alliance Certification Smart home, mobile, network infrastructure Consumer trust, retail requirement Lab testing + ongoing monitoring
CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance) Certification Matter protocol devices Interoperability + security Authorized Test Labs (ATLs)
Common Criteria (CC) High-assurance products Government procurement Extensive evaluation (EAL 1-7)

1394.6.2 IoT-Specific Testing Areas

  1. Hardware: JTAG, UART, SPI interface exploitation, side-channel attacks
  2. Firmware: Firmware extraction, reverse engineering, backdoor detection
  3. Network: Protocol fuzzing, man-in-the-middle, replay attacks
  4. API: Authentication bypass, injection attacks, authorization flaws
  5. Mobile App: Reverse engineering, credential storage, API abuse
  6. Cloud: Cloud misconfigurations, data exposure, access control

1394.6.3 Testing Tools

  • Firmware Analysis: Binwalk, Firmware Analysis Toolkit (FAT), EMBA
  • Hardware: Bus Pirate, Shikra, ChipWhisperer (side-channel)
  • Network: Wireshark, tcpdump, Burp Suite, Metasploit
  • Fuzzing: AFL, Boofuzz, Peach Fuzzer
  • Static Analysis: Coverity, Checkmarx, Fortify
TipSecurity Compliance Resources

1394.6.4 Standards and Frameworks

1394.6.5 Certification Bodies

1394.6.6 Vulnerability Databases

1394.7 Whatโ€™s Next

Now that you understand security compliance frameworks, continue to: