When it comes to NERC CIP compliance, every utility wants to ensure they’re fully prepared to meet regulatory standards while maintaining a secure and resilient operational environment. However, priorities often vary when deciding where to focus efforts for improvement. In a recent poll by Archer Energy Solutions, we asked, “What’s your top priority for enhancing NERC CIP compliance?” The responses were quite revealing:

• Strengthen Cybersecurity: 20%
• Streamline Compliance: 20%
• Enhance Team Training: 60%
• Improve Incident Response: 0%

It’s no surprise that enhancing team training came out on top, but what’s interesting is the complete lack of focus on improving incident response. Let’s take a closer look at what this data means and how utilities can align their NERC CIP compliance strategies with these priorities.

Why Enhance Team Training? (60%)

Training is the foundation upon which any successful compliance program is built. The fact that 60% of respondents chose enhancing team training as their top priority speaks volumes about how essential it is to create a well-prepared workforce. This makes sense because NERC CIP is a team effort—everyone from system administrators to physical security personnel plays a critical role in compliance. Without comprehensive training, even the most robust security or compliance programs can fall short.

Good Practice Insight: The best training programs go beyond the standard annual cybersecurity awareness training required by NERC CIP. They incorporate role-based training tailored to the specific tasks that individuals perform. For example, your IT staff needs to know more than just the basics—they need to understand how to configure, secure, and manage systems in line with NERC CIP requirements. Similarly, physical security teams should be trained on access control procedures, visitor management, and incident reporting specific to NERC CIP standards.

When developing training programs, consider leveraging a mix of formats: live workshops, e-learning modules, and hands-on exercises, like mock audits or tabletop incident response drills. The goal is to create a dynamic learning environment where staff not only understand the rules but also know how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Another key to success is measuring the effectiveness of training. It’s not enough to simply check off that training was completed—there should be a process for evaluating how well your team understands and applies the material. Quizzes, post-training assessments, and practical exercises are great ways to gauge retention and ensure that knowledge gaps are identified and addressed.

Strengthening Cybersecurity (20%)

Strengthening cybersecurity is always a top priority in the utility sector, especially given the increasing number of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The fact that 20% of respondents chose this as their focus shows that while cybersecurity is vital, it’s already a well-addressed concern in many organizations. Many utilities already have adequate cybersecurity measures in place, including layered defenses, regular patching, and secure access controls.

Good Practice Insight: Utilities should continuously assess and update their cybersecurity practices, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving threats. Conducting regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and implementing advanced detection systems like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools can help strengthen overall cybersecurity. However, remember that all these tools and processes are only as effective as the people managing them, bringing us back to the importance of training.

A key area to focus on when strengthening cybersecurity is ensuring that operational technology (OT) environments are secure. OT systems, such as SCADA, are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, and any compromise could have devastating effects on utility operations. Implementing best practices like network segmentation, encryption, and strong identity management will go a long way in enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture of your organization.

Streamlining Compliance (20%)

Compliance is a necessary, albeit sometimes burdensome, part of operating within the critical infrastructure space. That’s why 20% of respondents prioritized streamlining compliance—making the process of adhering to NERC CIP standards as efficient as possible without sacrificing thoroughness.

Good Practice Insight: Streamlining compliance involves simplifying documentation processes, automating tasks, and reducing manual oversight. One of the most effective ways to streamline compliance is to invest in compliance management software. These systems can automate repetitive tasks such as documenting changes, generating reports, and tracking timelines for required audits or updates.

Additionally, building clear, repeatable processes for managing compliance can save time and reduce errors. This means creating a documented framework for each standard and ensuring all relevant staff understand their role in maintaining compliance. By simplifying workflows and providing easy access to necessary documentation, you can reduce the time spent preparing for audits and minimize the risk of non-compliance.

It’s also essential to integrate compliance into day-to-day operations. When compliance becomes part of the regular workflow, instead of something addressed only in preparation for an audit, you’ll find that it becomes much easier to manage. Regular self-assessments, monthly check-ins, and clear communication between departments are all ways to ensure compliance remains at the forefront without feeling like a burden.

Why Was Incident Response Overlooked? (0%)

Perhaps the most surprising result of this poll is that incident response didn’t register as a priority at all. Given the focus on preventing cyber incidents, it’s curious that improving incident response wasn’t highlighted as an area of concern. This could be because many utilities already have established incident response plans, or perhaps the respondents felt other areas required more immediate attention.

Good Practice Insight: While incident response might not have been the top priority, it’s important not to overlook it. Even the best security measures can’t guarantee that an incident won’t occur. When it does, a swift and efficient response can mean the difference between a contained event and a major disruption.

Ensure your incident response plans are not just theoretical but have been tested through drills and real-world simulations. Regularly update your plans based on lessons learned from these exercises, and ensure all team members understand their roles during an incident.

Balancing Priorities for a Holistic Compliance Strategy

What this poll shows us is that while different utilities may have varying priorities for enhancing NERC CIP compliance, they all form part of a bigger picture. Team training, cybersecurity, and streamlined compliance are all interdependent. You can’t have effective cybersecurity without proper training, and you can’t streamline compliance if your team isn’t well-versed in the standards.

The lesson here is to strike a balance. While focusing on one area might seem like the most efficient way to enhance compliance, taking a holistic approach ensures that all areas are covered and no critical aspect is left vulnerable. The key to success is recognizing that NERC CIP compliance is an ongoing effort that requires attention across multiple domains. With the proper focus, tools, and training, your utility can navigate the complex world of compliance with confidence.

In the end, the most successful utilities will be those that recognize the need for constant improvement and evolution—not just in meeting regulatory standards but in creating a culture of security, compliance, and operational excellence.

By prioritizing training, utilities can empower their teams to handle compliance with greater efficiency and confidence, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more secure operational environment. And by keeping cybersecurity and streamlined compliance on the radar, your organization will stay well-prepared for whatever challenges come its way.