Prior to making a change that deviates from the existing baseline configuration, what should be determined?

Determining the possible impacts on CIP-005 and CIP-007 controls is crucial prior to making any changes that deviate from the established baseline configuration. CIP-005 focuses on cybersecurity and electronic security perimeters, while CIP-007 addresses system and communications protection. When a change is proposed, it is vital to assess how it might affect these specific controls to ensure that the organization maintains compliance with NERC standards and adequately protects its critical infrastructure.

Understanding the potential impacts helps prevent any degradation of security measures, which could lead to vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit. By identifying how the proposed change might interact with existing controls, organizations can make informed decisions and, if necessary, take steps to reinforce or adjust their existing security strategies to mitigate any risks associated with the change.

Recognizing the nuances of cybersecurity controls ensures not only compliance but also the integrity and reliability of operations within critical infrastructure sectors.