ISASecure and the National Security Agency (NSA) have jointly developed a new certification scheme known as HCSA, designed for high-criticality operational technology (OT) components, according to a report by Industrial Cyber.

Key facts

  • ISASecure and the NSA developed the HCSA certification scheme.
  • The scheme targets high-criticality operational technology components.
  • The development was reported by Industrial Cyber.

What the HCSA scheme covers

The HCSA certification scheme focuses on operational technology components used in high-criticality environments. OT systems underpin essential industrial operations, making the security of their components a priority for both industry and government stakeholders.

Why it matters

Collaboration between ISASecure, a well-known industrial cybersecurity certification body, and the NSA signals a coordinated push to raise the security baseline for critical industrial components. Certification schemes of this kind are intended to give asset owners and operators greater confidence in the products they deploy.

Industry context

Operational technology environments have faced growing scrutiny as industrial systems become more connected. A dedicated certification for high-criticality components reflects the increasing emphasis on securing the hardware and software that keep essential services running.