Networked technical systems require a level of protection that aligns physical security technology, plant security, IT security and operational processes. TÜV NORD assesses functions, interfaces and vulnerabilities and develops robust security architectures for industry, energy supply and critical infrastructure.
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Plant protection and IT security at TÜV NORD are understood as an overall system: physical security, surveillance technology and digital structures (IT/OT) are considered in conjunction with organisation and processes.
Key focus areas include:
This results in security concepts that reliably support tamper protection, access security and system integrity — and can be integrated into existing operational and management systems.
TÜV NORD takes a structured approach to plant protection, focusing on key areas:
While traditional plant safety primarily addresses operational and permitting requirements, this service area focuses on security structures and interfaces that ensure tamper protection, access security and system integrity in networked environments.
Industrial cybersecurity requirements — for example based on the IEC 62443 series of standards — can be considered as needed and integrated into existing security and compliance frameworks.
TÜV NORD supports operators with security concepts, assessments and testing – from the initial risk analysis through to periodic evaluation of existing security systems.
Risk analyses, definition of protection requirements, zoning concepts and security designs for networked installations – including compliance with KRITIS and IT security requirements.
Assessment of detection performance, activation and alarm paths, as well as the underlying control logic and escalation chains.
Inspection of mechanical, electronic and hybrid access control systems – aligned with operating procedures, shift models and contractor access requirements.
Assessment of doors, gates, windows and structural security elements with respect to the defined protection requirements.
Assessment of system architecture, data paths and interfaces to control, OT and IT systems – including requirements from information security and data protection.
Examination of security manuals, organisational procedures and risk assessments for completeness, consistency and operational suitability.
Regular assessment of the functionality and effectiveness of security-relevant systems and architectures – for example as part of internal audits or critical infrastructure compliance assessments.
Examination of the interaction between physical security, OT systems, control systems and operational processes to identify dependencies and make potential attack paths transparent.
Our plant security and IT security services are aimed at operators of technical installations with elevated protection requirements, in particular:
Plant security and IT security are based on recognised standards and regulatory requirements. Depending on the application context, this includes in particular:
Requirements from the German IT Security Act 2.0 and the CI Regulation (§ 8a BSIG) – see “KRITIS and the IT Security Act | Certification”
Information security in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001 and related standards – see “Information security: protection and integrity”
Industrial cybersecurity requirements based on IEC 62443 for automation and control systems – see “IEC 62443 Security Level”
In addition, other relevant DIN, EN, VDE and VdS standards as well as sector‑specific regulations are taken into account in the assessment and design of security measures.
