The International Society of Automation reported July 13 that ISASecure’s accreditation body (AB), American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, is offering inspection body (IB) and product certification body (CB) accreditations for ISASecure’s Automation and Control System Security Assurance (ACSSA) certifications. These are based on ACSSA assessments that evaluate how well asset owners' control systems comply with the ISA/IEC 62443-2-1, 2-4, 3-2 and 3-3 operations technology (OT) cybersecurity standards.

ISASecure’s CBs and IBs are independently accredited by ISO/IEC 17011 ABs that are multilateral recognition arrangement (MRA) signatories of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Inc. (Global ACI) for ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020 standards.

A2LA is one of the world’s largest accreditation bodies, and is the only independent, 501(c)3 non-profit, internationally recognized accreditation body in the U.S. that offers comprehensive, conformity-assessment, accreditation services. Established in 1978 as a public service membership society, it’s dedicated to the formal recognition of competent testing and calibration laboratories, biobanking facilities, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers and reference material producers. A2LA has over 4,500 actively accredited certificates representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries. For a current listing of A2LA’s accredited organizations, search A2LA’s directory.

ISASecure, a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA, is a globally recognized certification program that validates conformance with ISA/IEC 62443 standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity. All of ISASecure’s certification testing is conducted by accredited, independent testing laboratories. A2LA has been an ISASecure AB working with members to become CBs for ISASecure’s Security Development Lifecycle (SLDA), Component Security Assurance (CSA) and System Security Assurance (SSA) programs.

“Expanding A2LA’s services to include IB and CB accreditation for ACSSA reflects our commitment to supporting emerging cybersecurity frameworks that protect critical infrastructure,” says Trace McInturff, VP of accreditation services at A2LA. “As automation and control systems become increasingly interconnected, independent third-party assurance is essential. We’re proud to be recognized by ISASecure and help organizations demonstrate competence, consistency and conformance in this rapidly evolving area.”

Dr. Mark DeAngelo, program manager at ISASecure, adds, “A2LA has a great reputation for being on the leading edge of cybersecurity. We look forward to A2LA’s newest offering for ISASecure members, who are looking to be an IB or CB for ACSSA. It’s an important milestone for ISASecure ACSSA and for the future security of critical industrial sites.”