FERC Issues New Rule on Mandatory Reliability Standards for CIP

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has revised the mandatory reliability standards for all power utility companies. The new rule improves the standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
In Order 706, FERC directs certain users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system to comply with specific requirements that will protect the system from malicious attacks on cyber security assets. These assets are defined as programmable electronic devices and communication networks including hardware, software and data.

The reliability standards require all power utility companies to establish policies, plans and procedures to safeguard physical and electronic access to control systems. The standards also require the companies to train personnel on security matters, report security incidents, and be prepared to recover from a cyber incident. The plan for implementing these changes, which was developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), allows companies three years to fully comply with all requirements.
iCrescendo can help you comply by easily converting existing mechanical locks into an access control system. With electronic lock cylinders, programmable CyberKeys, and CyberAudit-Web Enterprise software, you can create a powerful system that tracks and controls access to every lock in your facility.

 

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