How Does Schneider’s NMC3 Set a New Standard in Cybersecurity?

October 9, 2024
How Does Schneider’s NMC3 Set a New Standard in Cybersecurity?

Schneider Electric has achieved a significant milestone with its EcoStruxure IT Network Management Card 3 (NMC3) platform by obtaining the IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 (SL2) certification. This marks the first Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) network card to attain this cybersecurity standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In a world where cybersecurity incidents are increasingly prevalent and costly, this certification underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to securing IT infrastructure. With increasing cyber threats targeting industries worldwide, achieving such a certification signals a vital leap in enhancing the resilience and robustness of IT systems.

Meeting the demands for heightened security in the digital age is more critical than ever. Because average costs of cyber incidents now exceed $4 million per breach, companies are finding it crucial to adopt advanced security measures. Schneider Electric’s NMC3 platform not only meets but exceeds these demands, providing a fortified solution for data center and IT infrastructure management. The SL2 certification signifies a more rigorous set of criteria compared to earlier standards, making Schneider Electric’s achievement both pioneering and necessary.

Achieving a New Milestone in Cybersecurity

The NMC3’s IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certification, achieved through rigorous assessment by TÜV Rheinland, represents a leap forward in cybersecurity for DCIM solutions. This milestone is not just a feather in Schneider Electric’s cap but a crucial development for the industry. SL2 reflects a higher degree of resilience against cyber threats than the earlier SL1 certification. It involves stringent requirements, stringent testing, and comprehensive assessments, ensuring that the platform can withstand sophisticated cyberattacks. Such certifications are complex but necessary to provide enhanced security measures for critical power and cooling infrastructure.

The significance of the SL2 certification cannot be overstated. In an era where businesses face frequent and costly cyber incidents, attaining such a high standard demonstrates the platform’s robustness and Schneider Electric’s dedication to cybersecurity. This achievement not only secures their systems but also sets a new benchmark for the industry. Other companies may now feel the pressure to elevate their own cybersecurity standards, thus contributing to a more secure industry overall. Schneider Electric’s commitment to meeting these comprehensive requirements places it at the forefront of technological and cybersecurity advancements.

Meeting the rigor of the SL2 certification process indicates Schneider Electric’s comprehensive approach to secure product development. By covering an extensive range of security measures, the NMC3 platform encapsulates the company’s commitment to protecting IT infrastructure from evolving threats. This is a significant step forward that emphasizes the importance of continuous improvements and innovations in cybersecurity, setting up a standard that other companies are likely to follow. By achieving these stringent certifications, Schneider Electric not only gains credibility but also contributes to creating a path for others in the industry.

Role of TÜV Rheinland in Certification

TÜV Rheinland’s role in certifying the NMC3 platform is pivotal. As a reputed global testing provider, TÜV Rheinland conducted an independent certification process to ensure the NMC3 meets IEC’s rigorous set of security requirements. Their endorsement is a stamp of reliability and assurance. Moreover, TÜV Rheinland’s certification extends beyond just the NMC3 platform. They have also evaluated and certified Schneider Electric’s broader cybersecurity processes and protocols. The Secure Development Lifecycle Assurance (SDLA) for Schneider’s products, including the NMC3, has been certified as ISASecure SDLA compliant, further solidifying Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity framework. This dual certification reinforces Schneider Electric’s comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. It provides a systematic and consistent process for developing, maintaining, and updating secure products, which is crucial for mitigating potential cyber threats.

TÜV Rheinland’s meticulous evaluation involved scrutinizing the security features, protocols, and procedures implemented within the NMC3 platform. Their certification validates the platform’s ability to withstand sophisticated cyber threats, hence providing customers with an enhanced sense of assurance. It highlights Schneider Electric’s dedication to not only meeting but exceeding standard security requirements. The dual certification not only adds an extra layer of security assurance but also shows Schneider Electric’s rigorous commitment to upholding cybersecurity standards across their product range. TÜV Rheinland’s endorsement, therefore, positions the NMC3 platform as a reliable and security-conscious IT infrastructure solution.

By endorsing Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity protocols, TÜV Rheinland’s certification also emphasizes the importance of adhering to stringent cybersecurity standards. This dual-layer approach ensures that Schneider Electric products maintain high security from development to implementation. It provides an added benchmark for the industry while promoting best practices in security compliance. This comprehensive certification process assures current and potential customers that Schneider Electric remains a steadfast ally in protecting their IT infrastructure from emerging cyber threats, reinforcing the significance of upholding advanced security standards in today’s digital landscape.

Secure NMC System Tool: Streamlining Firmware Updates

Keeping IT systems updated is a significant challenge for many enterprises, especially given the complexity of distributed and edge environments. Schneider Electric addresses this issue with the introduction of the Secure NMC System Tool for its NMC3 platform. This innovative tool simplifies the process of managing firmware updates, making it up to 90 percent faster. By notifying customers about available firmware updates and guiding them through the installation process, the Secure NMC System Tool eliminates the need for manual searches, validations, and assessments. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of operating with outdated and potentially vulnerable firmware. The benefits of implementing such a streamlined approach are multiple, as it ensures systems remain updated, thereby enhancing their security posture.

The Secure NMC System Tool’s efficiency in streamlining firmware updates addresses a critical pain point for IT teams: the extensive time and effort traditionally required to maintain up-to-date systems. By automating and guiding the firmware update process, this tool reduces the administrative burden significantly. IT teams can then focus on other pressing tasks, ensuring they manage their resources more effectively. Schneider Electric’s thoughtful approach in developing this tool indicates their understanding of customer needs and their commitment to making cybersecurity management more accessible and less time-consuming.

Additionally, the adoption of the Secure NMC System Tool encourages consistent compliance with regulatory standards and security protocols. This automated update mechanism not only ensures systems are not at risk from outdated firmware but also promotes a culture of continuous compliance within enterprise IT frameworks. The overall efficiency and security offered by this tool serve as a testament to Schneider Electric’s innovation in making robust cybersecurity management practicable for all types of IT infrastructures. The confidence it gives organizations in maintaining both operational efficiency and security compliance is invaluable in today’s cyber threat landscape.

Leading the Way in Industry Standards

Schneider Electric has garnered a remarkable achievement with its EcoStruxure IT Network Management Card 3 (NMC3) by earning the IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 (SL2) certification. This milestone makes it the first Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) network card to secure this cybersecurity standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Given the rising frequency and expense of cybersecurity incidents, this certification highlights Schneider Electric’s dedication to safeguarding IT infrastructure. As cyber threats continually target global industries, gaining such a certification is a crucial step in bolstering the strength and security of IT systems.

In today’s digital era, ensuring robust security measures is more vital than ever. With the average cost of cyber incidents now surpassing $4 million per breach, organizations are under immense pressure to implement advanced security protocols. Schneider Electric’s NMC3 platform does exactly that by not only meeting but surpassing these stringent security demands. Achieving the SL2 certification involves a stricter set of criteria than previous standards, making Schneider Electric’s feat both groundbreaking and essential.

Subscribe to our weekly news digest.

Join now and become a part of our fast-growing community.

Invalid Email Address
Thanks for Subscribing!
We'll be sending you our best soon!
Something went wrong, please try again later