International standards on cybersecurity: common points and differences

Digitalization of Instrumentation and Control (I&C) and monitoring systems has brought many benefits, mainly derived from flexibility, scalability and power provided by digital technology. However, the use of this technology has exposed these systems to cyber threats. This is not a minor issue, given that the digitalization has already reached the most sensitive plant equipment, that is, those responsible for performing security, emergency action and physical security functions. The malfunctioning of one of these systems as a result of a cyberattack could therefore have important consequences not only economically but also for people and environment. This context has made cybersecurity one of the industry's main concerns worldwide. Being aware of this, different national and supranational entities have been working on the development of documentation that different stakeholders, particularly plants and regulatory bodies, can use as a reference to protect digital equipment against cyber threats.