What action must be taken before disposing of Cyber Assets containing BES Cyber System Information?

The appropriate action before disposing of Cyber Assets that contain Bulk Electric System (BES) Cyber System Information involves securely destroying the data storage media. This is crucial because such information is sensitive and may contain critical data that, if not disposed of properly, could be accessed by unauthorized individuals, leading to security vulnerabilities.

Secure destruction ensures that all data is irretrievable, protecting against data breaches and potential manipulation of critical infrastructure systems. This aligns with NERC CIP standards, which emphasize the necessity of safeguarding information to maintain the integrity and security of the electric grid.

Other actions, like transferring data to a secure location or formatting assets, do not guarantee that sensitive information cannot be restored or accessed. Storing data in cloud services could also expose it to additional risks, especially if not managed within strict security protocols or compliance with NERC regulations. Thus, securely destroying the data storage media is the only option that provides a complete assurance of data destruction, aligning with best practices for cybersecurity in critical infrastructure.