Glossary · OT cybersecurity
TRBS 1115 Part 1 (cybersecurity for safety-related I&C equipment)
Also known as: TRBS 1115-1
German: TRBS 1115 Teil 1 – Cybersicherheit für sicherheitsrelevante MSR-Einrichtungen
TRBS 1115 Part 1 is a German Technical Rule for Operational Safety under the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) that addresses cybersecurity for safety-related measurement, control and regulation (I&C) equipment. It guides employers on considering cyber threats in the risk assessment of work equipment and on protective measures for such equipment.
- OT security
- Functional safety
- Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV)
- Presumption effect (technical rules)
In one sentence
TRBS 1115 Part 1 is a German rule under BetrSichV on cybersecurity of safety-related I&C equipment in the employer's risk assessment of work equipment.
Example
A German chemical site uses TRBS 1115 Part 1 to check whether the safety instrumented systems of its reactors can be manipulated over the network and documents the measures in its risk assessment.
How it applies
- Operation: TRBS address employers operating work equipment in Germany. When the employer follows a technical rule, it can generally assume that the corresponding BetrSichV requirements are met (presumption effect); other solutions are possible if they achieve the same level of safety.
- Engineering: The rule concerns safety-related I&C equipment, for example safety instrumented functions in process plants. It connects cyber threats with the operator's risk assessment of work equipment and refers to established security practice.
- Maintenance: Changes to networks, remote access or firmware of safety-related equipment should be reviewed for their cybersecurity effect as part of the employer's risk assessment.
- Documentation: Operators need information from manufacturers on the security properties and required protective measures of safety-related devices. Manufacturers selling into Germany should provide it in their security and safety documentation.
TRBS 1115 Part 1 vs. IEC 62443
TRBS 1115 Part 1 is a national rule for employers under German occupational safety law. IEC 62443 is an international standard family covering asset owners, integrators and product suppliers. The two complement each other; neither alone makes an installation safe or compliant.