Which of the following areas is NOT a required topic in Cyber Security policies?

The correct answer is public relations management, as this area is not specifically mandated as a required topic within Cyber Security policies under NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.

In the context of cybersecurity for Bulk Electric System (BES) Cyber Systems, the focus is primarily on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of those systems. Topics such as incident reporting and response planning, physical security of BES Cyber Systems, and configuration change management are essential components that directly relate to managing the cybersecurity posture of entities within the energy sector.

Incident reporting and response planning ensure that organizations can effectively address and mitigate cybersecurity incidents, thereby minimizing potential damage and restoring normal operations. Physical security is critical, as it addresses the protection of systems from unauthorized physical access which can compromise cyber operations. Configuration change management ensures that any changes to systems are tracked and controlled to maintain security integrity.

Public relations management, while an important aspect of overall organizational management, does not fall within the mandated components of cybersecurity policies as required by NERC CIP standards. It relates more to how an organization communicates with stakeholders and the public, which, while relevant in a broader context, is not a direct requirement for cybersecurity compliance.