ODVA’s CIP Security Earns IEC 62443 SL 3 Certification: Highlights from the 2026 Annual Meeting
ODVA has wrapped up its 2026 Industry Conference and 24th Annual Meeting of Members in Faro, Portugal. More than 100 industrial automation specialists from technology vendors and end-user companies attended. The agenda centred on how EtherNet/IP is evolving to meet new demands in cybersecurity, interoperability, process automation and next-generation Ethernet connectivity.
The EtherNet/IP ecosystem now counts more than 700 licensed vendors and around 400 ODVA members. Technologies such as Single Pair Ethernet, Ethernet-APL and wireless are extending its reach from the plant floor into process applications.
CIP Security certified to IEC 62443-4-2
The headline announcement concerned CIP Security, ODVA’s cybersecurity extension for EtherNet/IP. TÜV Rheinland has certified the specification against the applicable requirements of IEC 62443-4-2 at Security Level Capability 3 (SL-C 3). This level addresses intentional attacks carried out with moderate resources, moderate motivation and skills specific to industrial automation and control systems. According to ODVA, the certification makes the compliance path easier for manufacturers that build CIP Security into their devices.
Pull Model: simpler commissioning and device replacement
ODVA has also continued to develop the CIP Security Pull Model, which adds mechanisms for distributing device authenticity information efficiently. The goal is to make commissioning and replacing devices simpler, including in architectures where conventional configuration methods are impractical. The supporting CIP Identification and CIP Security schemas were published in March 2026.
Process Device Profiles and process automation
In process automation, ODVA is pushing forward its Process Device Profiles, which define common functionality for level, temperature, flow and pressure instruments. Plant operators gain better interoperability between vendors and can swap instruments more easily.
Technical sessions and keynotes
The conference programme included more than 20 technical papers and end-user case studies on IPv6, cybersecurity, time synchronisation, functional safety, robotics, electronic data sheets and firmware updates. In the keynote sessions, VEGA presented an EtherNet/IP over Ethernet-APL application in a plastics plant. AUMA described installations at a salmon farm and a wastewater treatment plant. Meta made the case for IPv6 from a data-centre perspective.
ODVA is also working with other standards bodies, including within the Industrial Security Harmonization Group (ISHG), to bring industrial cybersecurity initiatives into closer alignment. The leadership for ODVA’s 25th term was announced at the meeting.
More industrial communication and automation news is available in our product news section. For press releases or editorial enquiries, contact the Automation Fair team.