Securing the Grid:
Zero Trust for Utility Infrastructure
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The Utility Challenge
Utility companies today face unprecedented cyber risks. Nation-state actors like Volt Typhoon use stealthy “living off the land” tactics to blend in with regular network traffic — evading traditional defenses like EDR and NDR. Meanwhile, evolving NERC CIP requirements, including CIP-015 for internal network security monitoring and CIP-005-8 for logical isolation, demand a more proactive, granular security strategy.
A single breach can trigger wide-reaching consequences:
Public Safety Threats
Disruption to essential services like water treatment and emergency response
Massive Economic Impact
Outages costing tens of millions per day for large utilities
Cascading Failures
Grid instability affecting healthcare, transit, and communications
National Security Risk
Attacks on energy infrastructure threaten critical defense operations
Regulatory Penalties
Costly fines for non-compliance with NERC CIP
Erosion of Public Trust
Long-term damage to your brand and consumer confidence
The Legacy Dilemma
Utility infrastructure wasn’t built for modern threats. Legacy PLCs, DCS systems, and OSes - often decades old - are difficult to secure and can’t support modern IAM or encryption standards. Common challenges include:
- Legacy Equipment Constraints: Long-lifecycle devices lack support for modern controls
- Flat, Unsegmented Networks: Make it easy for attackers to move laterally undetected
- Minimal Downtime Windows: Scheduled maintenance may be limited to just hours per year
- Vendor Access Vulnerabilities: External access is a common initial attack vector
Zentera’s Zero Trust Solution for Utilities
Zentera delivers a non-disruptive, defense-in-depth Zero Trust architecture that overlays existing infrastructure and aligns with evolving NERC CIP standards - without requiring risky rip-and-replace operations.
1. Application-Level Microsegmentation
Create Virtual Chambers around critical OT/ICS assets - without reconfiguring your networks.
- Insert a Virtual OT DMZ across segmented systems
- Enforce identity-based access where traditional IAM can't reach
- Lock access to software-defined identities, preventing credential abuse
- Enable contractor access with time-limited, least-privilege policies
- Establish secure hybrid-cloud communication across OT and IT
- Simplify compliance with logical controls that directly map to NERC CIP
Protected systems include:
- Distributed SCADA/EMS/ADMS systems
- Grid control centers
- Unmanned substations
- Remote facilities and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
2. Identity-Based Access Control
Every connection - user or device - is authenticated and authorized.
- Integrate with corporate IAM and multi-factor authentication
- Enforce just-in-time, scoped access for third-party vendors
- Establish time-limited credentials with full audit trails
- Prevent lateral movement and unauthorized access
3. Agentless Protection for Legacy OT
Secure systems that can’t be patched, updated, or modified.
4. Secure Communication & Monitoring
Visibility and protection for data in transit and network activity.
- Encrypt control center traffic per CIP-012
- Log every access attempt with full context for audit readiness
- Monitor all activity to detect anomalies and policy violations
Why Not Firewalls Alone?
Unlike firewalls, identity-based policies are easier to manage, more scalable, and context-aware - enabling utilities to implement Zero Trust controls without the overhead of managing thousands of rules across substations.
NERC CIP Compliance Benefits
Zentera’s platform supports your compliance journey across core CIP areas:
CIP-005 – Electronic Security Perimeters
- Creates virtual ESPs with logical isolation
- Enforces default-deny posture
- Detects malicious communications per R1.5
- Integrates secure remote access pathways
CIP-007 – Systems Security Management
- Blocks unauthorized access without modifying systems
- Mitigates risk of unpatched vulnerabilities
- Generates detailed logs and alerts
- Supplements system controls with network-level enforcement
CIP-011 & CIP-012 – Information Protection
- Encrypts sensitive OT data in transit
- Secures control center communications
CIP-013 – Supply Chain Risk Management
- Restricts vendor access to specific assets and timeframes
- Captures detailed vendor activity logs
Emerging Requirements
- Supports CIP-015 (Internal Network Security Monitoring)
- Aligned with CIP-005-8 for logical isolation
- Ready for hybrid cloud + on-prem OT environments
Deployment Approach
Zentera’s implementation process is built for minimal disruption and maximum effectiveness:
- Assessment & Planning – Map your current environment
- Controlled Pilot – Validate functionality in a test system
- Critical Asset Protection – Begin with agentless security for BES Cyber System
- Enterprise-Wide Expansion – Roll out to all critical systems
- Continuous Improvement – Refine policies as risks and regulations evolve
Why Zentera for Utilities
- Non-Disruptive Deployment: Overlay networks without reconfiguration
- Defense-in-Depth by Design: Microsegmentation complements existing tools
- Centralized Policy, Distributed Enforcement: Scalable, consistent security
- Future-Ready: Built for evolving CIP compliance and threat landscapes
Take Action
As state-sponsored threats escalate and CIP-015 deadlines approach, the time to act is now. Utility providers that proactively adopt Zero Trust can reduce risk, simplify compliance, and strengthen their resilience.
Contact Zentera today for a Zero Trust consultation tailored to your operational and regulatory needs.
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