Implementing NERC CIP Compliance Controls

When to Use

• When a registered entity must achieve or maintain NERC CIP compliance for BES cyber systems
• When preparing for a NERC CIP compliance audit by the Regional Entity
• When implementing the 2025 CIP standard updates (CIP-003-9, CIP-005-7, CIP-010-4, CIP-013-2)
• When categorizing BES cyber systems after commissioning new generation, transmission, or control center assets
• When developing a compliance monitoring and evidence collection program

Do not use for non-BES industrial systems (see implementing-iec-62443-security-zones), for general IT compliance frameworks (see auditing-cloud-with-cis-benchmarks), or for physical security of substations without cyber components.

Prerequisites

• Understanding of NERC CIP standards (CIP-002 through CIP-014)
• BES cyber system inventory with impact ratings (high, medium, low)
• Access to Electronic Security Perimeter (ESP) network diagrams and firewall configurations
• Compliance management system for evidence collection and audit documentation
• Familiarity with NERC Glossary of Terms (BES Cyber Asset, BES Cyber System, Electronic Access Point)