Preparing for the Future of NERC-CIP Security

In NERC-CIP compliant environments, there is no greater importance than maintaining secure and operational facilities. From wastewater treatment plants to solar stations, these facilities are vital to the way modern society operates. As we move further into our future advancement, it becomes necessary to assess continually transitioning risks to ensure that these locations are prepared for the security vulnerabilities of the future. This acts as a guide to transition your security communication systems to provide a pathway for a more secure and operationally efficient future.

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Scaling to Your Environments

Critical infrastructure facilities operate in large scale environments, oftentimes containing multiple locations with varying levels of access restrictions. This presents challenges in creating accurate risk assessments and monitoring secure locations for potential threats, both physical and cyber. Utilization of communication platforms that reliably monitor secure areas at scale, while ensuring efficiency with operations is a top priority for these vital facilities.

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Ensuring Secure Locations

Validation and Multi-Factor Authentication

Security breaches are likely the first thought about the need for security systems. Ensuring accuracy through two-way validation is an efficient way to prevent access to restricted areas. Additionally, multi-factor authentication such as verbal pins aid in keeping the facility cyber-secure.

Redundancies

Continual checks that devices are properly functioning is essential in any secure environment. Opting for a reliable security system with redundancies and automated checks allows more efficiency and ensures security in large-scale facilities.

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Securing Physical Assets

Within NERC-CIP compliance regulations, requirements state the need for secure physical assets on the premises. Security communication systems built for a seamless connection on a centralized platform, while maintaining security, creates more flexibility within configurations with considerations of future advancements. ?

An Eye on the Future

Integrations

Technology is moving into the direction of cohesive integration between devices and software. Customizable functions unlock more capabilities to pair communication systems together and ensure precise security needs of individual areas are met.

Data Insights

The modern world runs on data. Critical infrastructure environments can utilize collection of data for valuable insights from their security communication systems to target inefficiencies and potential vulnerabilities that otherwise may remain undetected.

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Cloud-Based Communication Platforms

With the power of cloud servers, facilities can unlock future potential. Connecting to a server-based system allows critical infrastructure sites to simplify their communication systems’ workflows, while expanding devices reach and capabilities at their location.