What must be done before performing a full active pen test at transmission substations?

Before conducting a full active penetration test at transmission substations, it is essential to isolate the electrical controls and communications. This critical step ensures that the testing does not inadvertently affect the operational integrity of the electrical system or compromise the safety of personnel and equipment. By isolating these systems, the test can be conducted in a controlled manner, mitigating risks associated with unintended disturbances or failures in critical infrastructure.

Isolating the electrical systems also helps to prevent any potential disruptions to normal operations, ensuring that the penetration testing is performed safely and effectively. Additionally, this approach allows for a more accurate assessment of vulnerabilities in the systems being tested without the interference of operational data or network traffic.

In the context of other actions, while applying software updates, performing physical inspections, and obtaining government clearance are certainly important steps in the overall security management process, they do not directly relate to the immediate requirement of ensuring the safety and integrity of the electrical controls and communications during an active pen test. Each of those actions has its place in the broader context of cybersecurity and facility management, but isolation remains a top priority in the context of performing penetration testing in a sensitive environment like a transmission substation.