Energy and utility companies sit at the heart of national critical infrastructure. They power homes, hospitals, transportation systems, and industries—making them prime targets for cyber attacks. These organizations manage a complex blend of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) assets, from cloud platforms and enterprise networks to substations and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. As Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) merge to optimize the customer experience, they also increase the risk of cyber incidents targeting our critical infrastructure. Vulnerabilities in either domain can result in devastating consequences, including service disruptions, financial loss, and reputational damage.
To meet these challenges, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) offers security best practices that help energy and utility providers build cybersecurity programs that are practical, scalable, and defensible. These resources are designed to protect both IT and OT environments without compromising operational integrity—a critical balance in a sector where uptime is non-negotiable.
Defending Against Modern Threats with CIS
Cyber threats facing the energy sector are increasingly sophisticated. Ransomware, supply chain compromises, and nation-state attacks are no longer hypothetical—they’re happening. CIS Benchmarks and CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) provide prescriptive, consensus-based guidance to help organizations defend against these threats. Developed by a global community of cybersecurity experts, these tools are grounded in real-world experience and tailored to address known vulnerabilities.
Importantly, CIS Controls version 8.1 aligns with North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) standards. This alignment helps utilities meet mandatory cybersecurity requirements for the Bulk Electric System (BES), streamlining compliance while strengthening safeguards for asset identification, access control, and incident response.
Building Visibility and Resilience Across IT and OT
A strong cybersecurity program begins with visibility. CIS Controls 1 and 2 focus on inventorying all hardware and software assets—an essential step for utilities managing thousands of devices across generation, transmission, and distribution networks. Without a clear understanding of what’s connected to the environment, organizations can’t effectively defend it.
Misconfigurations are another common source of risk. CIS Benchmarks offer peer-reviewed, platform-specific settings for widely used technologies such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, Cisco, and Palo Alto. These configurations help harden systems against attack while maintaining operational stability—a must for environments where downtime is costly.
Tailored Guidance for Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) present unique cybersecurity challenges. These systems often rely on proprietary protocols, real-time operating systems, and vendor-specific warranties that limit the use of traditional security tools. CIS addresses these complexities through its ICS Companion Guide, which adapts the Controls for environments like SCADA systems, substations, and power plants.
The guide provides practical recommendations that account for operational constraints, ensuring that security measures don’t interfere with system performance. It also promotes network segmentation between IT and OT domains, reducing the risk of lateral movement by attackers and protecting critical infrastructure from external threats.
Smart Patch Management and Compliance Monitoring
Patch management in OT environments requires a delicate balance. Automated updates may not be feasible due to uptime requirements or vendor restrictions. CIS Controls recommend scheduled, risk-aware patching strategies that allow organizations to address vulnerabilities without disrupting operations.
For ongoing compliance, tools like CIS Configuration Assessment Tool (CIS-CAT Pro) automate Benchmark assessments and generate detailed reports. These capabilities help utilities demonstrate due diligence during audits and maintain a continuous security posture—critical for meeting regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
Proven Success in Large-Scale Energy Environments
The effectiveness of CIS Benchmarks and Controls isn’t theoretical—it’s proven. A major U.S. energy company used the CIS Controls to achieve cyber maturity across tens of thousands of IT and OT assets in just eight months. By unifying compliance monitoring, improving visibility across Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) control systems, and reducing long-term cyber risk, the company strengthened its security posture without compromising operational integrity.
This success story highlights the scalability of the CIS framework and its ability to support complex, high-stakes environments.
Flexible, Cost-Effective Implementation for All Sizes
CIS Controls are organized into Implementation Groups (IGs), which allow organizations to adopt a
prioritized, cost-effective approach to cybersecurity. Whether you’re a small municipal utility or a large national provider, the Controls can be tailored to your size, resources, and risk profile. This flexibility supports budget planning and ensures that high-impact safeguards are addressed first—making cybersecurity both achievable and sustainable.
In an era of increasing threats and regulatory scrutiny, energy and utility companies need cybersecurity programs that are not only compliant but resilient. CIS Benchmarks and CIS Controls offer a trusted foundation for building those programs—providing clarity, structure, and confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.
By leveraging CIS resources, organizations can protect their systems, safeguard consumer trust, and ensure the continuity of essential services. In the energy sector, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a public responsibility. CIS helps make that responsibility manageable, measurable, and meaningful.
