Who is responsible for approving the list of identified BES Cyber Assets?

The responsibility for approving the list of identified Bulk Electric System (BES) Cyber Assets falls under the role of the CIP Senior Manager or their delegate. This individual is typically tasked with ensuring compliance with the NERC CIP standards, which involve identifying and managing cyber assets that could impact the reliable operation of the electricity grid.

The CIP Senior Manager or delegate possesses the expertise and authority necessary to assess the critical nature of the cyber assets and make informed decisions about their classification. This role often requires a comprehensive understanding of both the organization's infrastructure and the regulatory requirements that govern the protection of cyber assets.

In contrast, while all employees of the organization may have a role to play in monitoring and reporting on security issues, they do not have the authority to approve the list of identified assets. The external regulatory body sets the overall standards and guidelines but does not directly approve internal assessments of specific assets. Lastly, although the IT department manager may play a critical role in the implementation and management of cybersecurity practices, the ultimate responsibility for approval rests with the CIP Senior Manager or delegate.