What is the primary focus of CIP-014?

The primary focus of CIP-014 is indeed the physical protection of essential transmission facilities. This standard aims to ensure that critical transmission infrastructure is adequately protected against physical threats and vulnerabilities. It emphasizes the importance of assessing risks to these facilities and developing mitigation strategies to safeguard them from various hazards, including natural disasters and malicious acts.

CIP-014 establishes requirements for identifying and securing essential facilities to maintain the reliability and resilience of the bulk electric system. This includes conducting vulnerability assessments and implementing protective measures that are appropriate to the risks identified. By focusing on physical security, CIP-014 plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall security posture of critical infrastructure within the energy sector, ensuring uninterrupted service and protection of the electric grid.