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NERC CIP Cybersecurity Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing compliance with NERC CIP standards in energy and utilities companies, focusing on cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure protection.

NERC CIP Cybersecurity Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The NERC CIP Cybersecurity Audit Checklist is an essential tool for energy and utilities companies to ensure compliance with critical infrastructure protection standards. This comprehensive checklist addresses the complex requirements of NERC CIP, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement robust cybersecurity measures. By utilizing this checklist, companies can streamline their audit processes, enhance their security posture, and avoid costly non-compliance penalties.

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Industry

Energy and Utilities

Standard

NERC CIP - Critical Infrastructure Protection

Workspaces

Control Centers
Power Plants
Utility Facilities
Data Centers

Occupations

Cybersecurity Auditor
Compliance Officer
IT Security Specialist
Energy Systems Manager
Risk Assessment Professional
1
Is there a documented incident response plan in place?

Select the status of the incident response plan.

To ensure that the organization is prepared to respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively.
2
Are vulnerability assessments conducted regularly?

Indicate if regular vulnerability assessments are performed.

Regular assessments help in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities in the system.
3
What is the average time taken to respond to incidents?

Enter the average time taken in hours.

To measure the efficiency of the incident response team.
Min: 0
Target: 2
Max: 48
4
Is the organization compliant with NERC CIP standards?

Select the compliance status.

To ensure adherence to the regulatory requirements outlined in NERC CIP.
5
Describe the key security controls implemented.

Provide a description of the security controls implemented.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
6
How often are risk assessments conducted?

Select the frequency of risk assessments.

Regular risk assessments are essential for identifying and managing cybersecurity risks.
7
Is there a documented risk management policy?

Provide details or location of the risk management policy document.

A formal policy is necessary for guiding risk management practices.
8
What is the total number of identified vulnerabilities in the last assessment?

Enter the number of identified vulnerabilities.

To quantify the organization's exposure to cybersecurity risks.
Min: 0
Target: 10
Max: 1000
9
Are employees trained on cybersecurity best practices?

Indicate if cybersecurity training is provided to employees.

Employee awareness is critical for preventing security breaches.
10
Describe any recent cybersecurity incidents and responses.

Provide a detailed description of recent incidents.

Understanding past incidents helps improve future response strategies.
11
Is there a dedicated cybersecurity governance committee in place?

Select the status of the cybersecurity governance committee.

A governance committee ensures oversight and strategic direction for cybersecurity initiatives.
12
Is there regular reporting on cybersecurity issues to senior management?

Indicate if there is a regular reporting mechanism in place.

Regular updates keep senior management informed and engaged in cybersecurity risk management.
13
How many cybersecurity policies are currently in effect?

Enter the total number of cybersecurity policies.

A comprehensive set of policies is essential for effective cybersecurity governance.
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 50
14
Describe how stakeholders are engaged in cybersecurity governance.

Provide details on stakeholder engagement practices.

Engaging stakeholders is critical for fostering a security-aware culture within the organization.
15
What is the current status of resolving cybersecurity audit findings?

Select the status of audit findings resolution.

Timely resolution of audit findings is necessary to improve cybersecurity posture.
16
Is there a formal mechanism for reporting cybersecurity incidents?

Indicate if a reporting mechanism is in place.

A formal reporting mechanism ensures timely and accurate reporting of incidents.
17
Is the incident response team available 24/7?

Select the availability status of the incident response team.

Continuous availability of the incident response team is crucial for effective incident management.
18
What is the average time taken to resolve incidents?

Enter the average resolution time in hours.

Measuring resolution time helps assess the efficiency of the incident response process.
Min: 0
Target: 4
Max: 72
19
Describe the post-incident review process.

Provide details about the post-incident review process.

A post-incident review helps identify lessons learned and improve future incident responses.
20
How often is the incident response plan tested?

Select the testing frequency of the incident response plan.

Regular testing of the incident response plan ensures its effectiveness and preparedness.
21
Is cybersecurity training mandatory for all employees?

Indicate if cybersecurity training is mandatory for all employees.

Mandatory training ensures that all employees are aware of cybersecurity policies and practices.
22
Describe the content and curriculum of the cybersecurity training program.

Provide details on the training content and curriculum.

A comprehensive training program is essential for effective cybersecurity awareness.
23
What is the average completion rate of the cybersecurity training program?

Enter the average training completion rate as a percentage.

Monitoring completion rates helps assess the effectiveness of the training program.
Min: 0
Target: 90
Max: 100
24
Is the organization compliant with applicable cybersecurity regulatory standards?

Select the compliance status with regulatory standards.

Compliance with regulations is crucial for mitigating legal and financial risks.
25
How many cybersecurity training sessions have been conducted in the last year?

Enter the total number of training sessions conducted.

Tracking the number of sessions helps evaluate the organization's commitment to cybersecurity training.
Min: 0
Target: 12
Max: 100

FAQs

The primary purpose is to ensure energy and utilities companies comply with NERC CIP standards and maintain robust cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure protection.

NERC CIP audits are typically conducted every three years, but companies should perform regular self-assessments using this checklist to maintain ongoing compliance.

NERC CIP audits are conducted by certified auditors from NERC or regional entities, but internal teams should use this checklist for self-assessments and preparation.

The checklist covers all aspects of NERC CIP standards, including electronic security perimeters, systems security management, incident reporting, and recovery plans for critical cyber assets.

Regular use of this checklist helps companies maintain continuous compliance, identify and address gaps proactively, and stay prepared for formal audits, reducing stress and potential non-compliance issues.

Benefits of NERC CIP Cybersecurity Audit Checklist

Ensures comprehensive coverage of NERC CIP requirements

Streamlines the audit process and improves efficiency

Helps identify and address potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Facilitates consistent and thorough documentation of compliance efforts

Reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties and security breaches