What was a significant requirement introduced by FERC Order 822?

FERC Order 822 introduced significant requirements for supply chain management to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. This was driven by the increasing reliance on external suppliers and vendors, which poses risks to the cybersecurity posture of organizations within the electric sector. By mandating the development of supply chain management requirements, FERC aimed to ensure that entities take proactive measures to assess and mitigate risks associated with third-party providers, unknown vulnerabilities, and potential threats to critical assets.

The focus on supply chain management aligns with the overall objective of strengthening the security framework within the electric industry, ensuring that entities not only protect their own systems but also review and manage the risks posed by their supply chain partners. This requirement is an evolution in the regulatory landscape, addressing past vulnerabilities and reinforcing the need for comprehensive risk management strategies.

The other options do not reflect the core changes introduced by FERC Order 822. There was no widespread mandatory compliance for all Distribution Providers aimed at by this order, nor was there a retirement of previous CIP versions directly associated with it. While there may have been modifications to audit processes in the context of ongoing improvements within the CIP framework, the primary emphasis of Order 822 was indeed on enhancing supply chain management.