Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has set a new benchmark in cybersecurity for data center management by achieving the prestigious IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 (SL2) certification for its EcoStruxure IT Network Management Card 3 (NMC3).
The certification, awarded by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), positions Schneider Electric as the first company to receive this level of cybersecurity certification for a Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) network card, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding data centers against advanced cyberthreats.
The certification, awarded after comprehensive testing and assessment by the internationally recognised testing organisation TÜV Rheinland, highlights the robust cybersecurity framework of Schneider Electric’s NMC3 platform. Meeting the SL2 certification requirements involved surpassing the previous SL1 level achieved last year, with TÜV Rheinland also recognising Schneider Electric’s adherence to the ISASecure®️ Secure Development Lifecycle Assurance (SDLA) standard, which governs secure product development.
Schneider Electric’s senior vice president of EcoStruxure IT, Data Center Business, Kevin Brown, in a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP, said: “The 2024 Allianz Risk Barometer ranks cyber incidents as the top business concern, with average costs surpassing $4 million per incident. Our IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 and ISASecure®️ SDLA certifications reinforce Schneider Electric’s position as a leader in secure data center operations, addressing a critical need for robust cybersecurity.”
The NMC3 platform, a key feature across EcoStruxure IT DCIM products, enables secure, remote management of essential power and cooling infrastructure. Schneider Electric’s newly introduced Secure NMC System Tool is an integral part of this system, designed to streamline firmware management in distributed IT and edge environments. This tool not only automates firmware updates but also notifies users when new updates are available, reducing the risks associated with outdated software and helping organizations keep pace with cybersecurity requirements.
The Secure NMC System Tool provides substantial benefits by accelerating firmware management and making updates up to 90% faster, thus reducing security vulnerabilities. The tool’s systematic approach allows users to manage security updates consistently, ensuring compliance across critical infrastructure without the need for extensive manual intervention. This helps customers maintain a high standard of security across diverse environments.
The combined benefits of IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certification, ISASecure®️ SDLA assurance, and the Secure NMC System Tool provide customers with a fortified cybersecurity posture. Automatic firmware notifications and simplified installation processes help ensure that connected devices receive the latest security enhancements, minimizing vulnerability to cyberattacks.
“EcoStruxure IT provides a seamless solution for managing IT infrastructure while maintaining strong cybersecurity compliance. We’re proud to lead the industry in delivering this powerful solution that drives resilience, security, and sustainability in data center management,” Brown added.
