ISA/IEC 62443 distinguishes between voluntary standards and legally binding obligations. Understanding this distinction is essential for compliance planning.
Step 1: Definition of regulations
Regulations are rules issued by governments or authorized regulators that carry legal force. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or legal action.
Step 2: Standards vs regulations
ISA/IEC 62443 itself is a voluntary international standard unless incorporated into law or contracts. Frameworks and special publications provide guidance but lack inherent legal enforceability.
Step 3: ISA/IEC 62443 context
The standard acknowledges that asset owners must comply with applicable regulations first, then apply standards like 62443 to meet cybersecurity objectives.
Step 4: Correct terminology
Only regulations meet the definition of legally enforceable rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is Regulations.
