While NERC does not currently provide any requirements or guidance documents on how to accomplish secure remote access, NERC does define the key requirements that must be met by a secure remote access practice or solution in CIP-005.
Full Answer
What is the NERC compliance guidance policy?
In November 2015, the NERC Board of Trustees approved the Compliance Guidance Policy, located under Key Resources. Compliance Guidance under the Compliance Guidance Policy includes two types: Implementation Guidance, which provides examples for implementing a standard; and
What is the NERC research grant guide?
This guide gives details of the arrangements and procedures for NERC research grants, together with a summary of proposal procedures. It covers: responsibilities of NERC, grant holders and research organisations.
What does NERC stand for?
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) research grants and fellowships handbook provides information on all aspects of research grant funding for applicants. This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Where can I find North American Electric Reliability Corporation office?
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What does CIP 005 protect against?
Purpose: Standard CIP-005 requires the identification and protection of the Electronic Security Perimeter(s) inside which all Critical Cyber Assets reside, as well as all access points on the perimeter.
What are the NERC CIP standards?
The NERC CIP standards require utility companies in North America to establish and adhere to a baseline set of cybersecurity measures. The goal is to ensure that appropriate security controls are in place to protect BES and its users and customers from all threats that may affect its timely and effective functioning.
What is an Eacms?
An EACMS is defined in the NERC Glossary of Terms as follow: Electronic Access Control or Monitoring Systems (EACMS) – Cyber Assets that perform electronic access control or electronic access monitoring of the Electronic Security Perimeter(s) or BES Cyber Systems. This includes Intermediate Systems.
What are electronic access points used for?
Electronic Access Point means a cyber asset interface on an electronic security perimeter that allows routable communication between cyber assets outside an electronic security perimeter and cyber assets inside an electronic security perimeter.
Is NERC CIP mandatory?
The NERC CIP standards are the mandatory security standards that apply to entities that own or manage facilities that are part of the U.S. and Canadian electric power grid.
What requirements must be met to obtain CIP access?
The requirements include policies meant to restrict access to physical assets, implement physical access controls, monitor unauthorized access, implement an alert system, continually monitor physical access controls, keep extensive logs of physical access, and maintain the physical access control systems over time.
Does an access point have to be wired?
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) allows several devices to connect via WiFi to a single network. The wired equivalent is a switch. But unlike a switch, a WAP does not need to be wired to the router. Access Points connect via wired Ethernet to a switch, or a switch port on a router, then serve up WiFi.
How many wireless access points do I need?
If you must have a number a rough estimate is one access point every 800 square feet or 75 square meters. In most cases, the biggest issue isn't the access point signal reaching clients but the low power client signal getting back to the access point.
Do I need a wireless access point?
Like I said most domestic routers are WIFI compatible but if the router you had wasn't and you wanted WIFI, then you would need a Wireless Access Point, often just referred to as 'WAP' or 'AP'. Wireless Access Points can also be added to your existing set up for improved WIFI coverage.
How many NERC standards are there?
11 standardsThe NERC CIP consists of 11 standards that are for protection against cybersecurity attacks. Not only does it offer protection but it offers the opportunity to create help protection plans and habits within your company. Assess your NERC CIP Compliance!
What is the current NERC CIP version?
CIP-003-8Currently, there are 5 CIP controls that are to be enforced by the NERC in the near future, these are CIP-003-8 Cyber Security - Security Management Controls, CIP-005-6 Cyber Security - Electronic Security Parameter(s), CIP-008-6 Cyber Security - Incident Reporting and Response Planning, CIP-010-3 Cyber Security - ...
Why is NERC CIP important?
This is one of the most important standards of all. It ensures that all responsible parties have recovery plans in place in the event of a critical attack that could damage infrastructure or halt the operation of a critical asset.
What does NERC regulate?
What does NERC do? NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; monitors the Bulk-Power System; assesses adequacy annually via a 10-year forecast and winter and summer forecasts; audits owners, operators and users for preparedness; and educates and trains industry personnel.
When was the NERC compliance policy approved?
In November 2015, the NERC Board of Trustees approved the Compliance Guidance Policy, located under Key Resources. Compliance Guidance under the Compliance Guidance Policy includes two types:
What is a CMEP practice guide?
CMEP Practice Guides, which provide direction to ERO Enterprise CMEP staff on approaches to carry out compliance monitoring and enforcement activities.
Who develops CMEP practice guides?
CMEP Practice Guidesare developed solely by the ERO Enterprise to reflect the independent, objective professional judgment of ERO Enterprise CMEP staff, and, at times, may be initiated following policy discussions with industry stakeholders. Following development, they are posted for transparency on the NERC website.
What is implementation guidance?
Implementation Guidance is developed by industry and vetted through pre-qualified organizations. In order for an organization to become pre-qualified, a member of that organization must submit an application to the Compliance and Certification Committee.
Can utilities lock down their systems?
As the threat to the critical infrastructure industry grows, the NERC standards provide a great starting place for utilities to lock down their systems. But these requirements should be a starting place and not a destination – utilities and other critical infrastructure companies need to take the next step to make sure they’re eliminating as many vulnerabilities as possible. For more information on how your organization can lock down shared account and control remote access, you can get more information here.
Can you change your passwords if you leave an energy company?
The problem for utilities is that these shared accounts are typically used on a daily basis by several employees and even contractors. Immediately changing these passwords if an employee leaves the organization could prevent access to critical systems for many other employees, which can have severe implications for that energy utility. In an ideal scenario, passwords to shared accounts should be changed immediately as soon as an employee with access to them is terminated. For many utilities, this is very difficult to accomplish, which is why NERC has given them a 30-day grace period.
When was the NERC compliance policy approved?
In November 2015, the NERC Board of Trustees approved the Compliance Guidance Policy, located under Key Resources. Compliance Guidance under the Compliance Guidance Policy includes two types:
Who develops CMEP practice guides?
CMEP Practice Guides are developed solely by the ERO Enterprise to reflect the independent, objective professional judgment of ERO Enterprise CMEP staff, and, at times, may be initiated following policy discussions with industry stakeholders. Following development, they are posted for transparency on the NERC website.
What is the best practice guidance for remote access management?
The best practice guidance for Remote Access Management is to look at the problem holistically, including in that view, the perspective of Privileged Access Management. Utility organizations should recognize upfront that performance penalties are not a trade-off they must make, but that due diligence will likely be required on their part to ensure that performance degradation does not become part of the outcome of the Remote Access Management practice.
What is NERC CIP?
The NERC CIP standards are the primary knowledge resource used by the Utility industry to ensure our nation’s power grid is protected from unintentional (accidental) and intentional (malicious) disruption. This whitepaper looks at the specific capabilities required and best practice guidance of an effective Electronic Access Control and Monitoring System (EACMS) for Privileged Interactive Access Management, Logging and Monitoring (Situational Awareness), and Baseline Configuration Management as covered by portions of NERC
What is the best practice guidance for configuration ports?
The best practice guidance for configuration ports is that they should be treated just like any other security concern in regards to active monitoring and control. The steps that should be taken include:
What is EAP device?
firewall or other electronic access point (EAP) device provides access denial, unless authentication is accomplished, and limited access based on roles. Once authentication is accomplished, it allows the user to directly connect to one or more cyber assets, networks, or other logical elements. In the simplest terms, it is a locked door on the perimeter that must be opened to gain access.
What is CIP 005-5 R2?
CIP-005-5 R2 is focused on ensuring that the security of the Bulk Electric System is not compromised by remote access. The general access control policy defined in section R1 is further augmented by the requirements of R2 for all remote access.
