This webinar offers an in-depth exploration of the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, the enforceable cybersecurity framework for the power industry across the U.S. and parts of Canada. We'll break down the structure of these standards and their applicability, including the criticality tiers (Low, Medium, and High) that determine the required level of protection for a site based on its potential impact on the power grid.
You'll gain a clear understanding of the key requirements of NERC CIP and how they compare to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards, highlighting areas of alignment and key differences. Most importantly, we'll discuss the valuable takeaways from NERC CIP—not just for regulated power sites but also for other industries looking to enhance their own cybersecurity posture. Join us to learn how to apply these powerful insights to protect critical infrastructure.
Patrick O’Brien is the Assistant Director of Engineering at exida, LLC, where he helps lead a team of engineers in delivering functional safety, cybersecurity, and alarm management services. He has led cybersecurity risk assessments, training courses, and other lifecycle activities for many different applications, including oil and gas, specialty chemical, critical infrastructure, machinery, and robotics. In addition to his cybersecurity role, he also provides consulting services in the areas of process safety, functional safety, and machine safety.
He is a coauthor of Implementing IEC 62443: A Pragmatic Approach to Cybersecurity and the principal author of the CCPS concept book Managing Cybersecurity in the Process Industries – A Risk-based Approach. Patrick represents exida on the International Society of Automation Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA). Mr. O’Brien graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in German Language and Culture.