performing-power-grid-cybersecurity-assessment

# Performing Power Grid Cybersecurity Assessment ## When to Use - When conducting periodic cybersecurity assessments of power grid facilities per NERC CIP requirements - When assessing substation automation systems using IEC 61850 GOOSE and MMS protocols - When evaluating the security of an Energy Management System (EMS) or SCADA control center - When assessing synchrophasor (PMU) networks and wide-area monitoring systems - When preparing for regional entity compliance audits or internal security reviews **Do not use** for non-BES systems below NERC registration thresholds, for general OT assessment without power grid specifics (see performing-ot-network-security-assessment), or for physical security assessment of generation facilities without cyber scope. ## Prerequisites - Understanding of electric power grid architecture (generation, transmission, distribution) - Familiarity with NERC CIP standards and BES Cyber System categorization - Knowledge of power grid protocols (IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3, ICCP/TASE.2) - Passive monitoring tools for substation network traffic analysis - Access to EMS/SCADA architecture documentation and network diagrams ## Workflow ### Step 1: Map Power Grid Cyber Architecture Identify and document all cyber systems supporting grid operations including EMS, SCADA, substation automation, and communication infrastructure. ```yaml # Power Grid Cyber Architecture Assessment facility_type: "Regional Transmission Organization Control Cente...