NERC-CIP: From regulatory burden to business catalyst

For those experts in operational technology (OT), the explosion of data from real-time sensor readings, production logs and system updates is pushing the convergence of information technology (IT) and OT to new heights. However, in the utilities sector, this modernization is complicated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC-CIP) standards. These standards are a fundamental regulatory framework established to secure the bulk electric system and its data from cyber and physical threats, and they are mandatory to ensure the reliability of the power grid. But, this presents a significant challenge: How do you embrace this new era of data analytics and still meet the rigorous security standards of NERC-CIP?

The traditional "air gap" — a complete physical and electronic separation — has long been the standard for securing mission-critical OT systems, ensuring that no inbound connections from the internet can compromise operations. But in an increasingly competitive landscape, can you afford to keep your most valuable operational data isolated? The question is no longer whether to connect, but how to do so in a way that provides competitive advantages without running afoul of the compliance requirements that protect everyone.

The challenge of legacy systems and modern threats

The core of NERC-CIP compliance is about managing and securing data. Key standards, such as CIP-005, require organizations to define and protect electronic security perimeters to control access to critical systems. Similarly, CIP-010 and CIP-013 focus on change management and supply chain security, mandating that you verify the integrity of software sources and assess vulnerabilities. This is where OT's reliance on legacy systems becomes a significant challenge. Many industrial systems, such as SCADA and PLS, were never designed with modern cybersecurity in mind, which makes them difficult to integrate with modern IT infrastructure.

For an OT team, the risks are substantial. Unplanned downtime can be costly, and any change to existing systems carries the risk of disrupting critical, revenue-driving processes. The traditional air gap traps valuable data in OT system silos, preventing IT from leveraging it for analytics, predictive maintenance and process optimization. In today's landscape, where modern industrial success increasingly hinges on data insights, this impacts not only efficiency but also an organization's overall competitiveness.

A secure bridge: How JSCAPE helps meet compliance

JSCAPE offers a solution that respects your security needs while solving your data challenges. As a secure managed file transfer solution, JSCAPE enables a one-way "ethical air gap" that offers a more flexible and efficient alternative to the traditional approach without sacrificing security or compliance needs. This architecture allows OT systems to securely send data to the IT network without ever being exposed to inbound connections from the internet, which is a principle that aligns perfectly with NERC-CIP's mandate to control access to BES Cyber Systems.

Here’s how JSCAPE's architecture helps you meet key NERC-CIP requirements:

• Secure data transfer to/from OT systems: JSCAPE utilizes secure protocols like SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS to encrypt data during transit. Its hub-and-spoke architecture, which prevents inbound connections, provides a unique solution for managing Electronic Security Perimeters. This ensures sensitive production data is protected from unauthorized access.
• Vulnerability and patch management: JSCAPE provides a centralized platform that can securely push updates to disparate systems while maintaining this ethical air gap. This helps you meet change management requirements (CIP-010) and manage vulnerabilities without compromising your OT environment.
• Simplified auditing and reporting: The centralized management platform provides you with visibility and control over all data movement, simplifying management and ensuring compliance with security policies. This creates a comprehensive audit trail that is essential for NERC-CIP reporting.

Beyond compliance: Full end-to-end automation with RunMyJobs

For organizations that are already using RunMyJobs by Redwood, the benefits of JSCAPE are amplified. RunMyJobs is a powerful, unified platform that orchestrates complex processes across your entire enterprise. It helps you break down technology and process silos, streamline operations and drive efficiency. 

With JSCAPE securely connecting your OT systems to the IT environment, you can now extend your existing RunMyJobs workflows to the manufacturing floor. This provides a single, central automation control plane regardless of where your systems reside. This integration enables:

• Real-time data-driven decisions: Seamless data exchange from OT devices to enterprise-level dashboards allows for real-time operational intelligence and data-driven decisions. This is the very foundation for innovation, from supply chain optimization to asset management.
• Predictive maintenance: Automate the transfer of sensor data and production logs to your IT analytics platforms. This allows you to move from reactive to predictive maintenance, which can reduce unplanned downtime and defects.
• Unlocking trapped data: Eliminates siloed OT workflows and manual processes, providing comprehensive visibility across manufacturing and operational processes. This is how you achieve strategic transformation and secure a competitive advantage.

Together, these fully integrated platforms provide an end-to-end, single-vendor solution that orchestrates business processes from the plant floor to the boardroom, all while respecting NERC-CIP standards.

NERC-CIP compliance may be a non-negotiable imperative, but with JSCAPE, it is also a clear opportunity to build a bridge to a more efficient, agile and innovative future. By securely integrating your OT systems with your broader IT and automation strategies, you can meet compliance, reduce risk and unlock the power of your operational data.