As of July 1, 2026, NERC CIP-012-2 enhanced cybersecurity requirements for certain communication paths supporting Bulk Electric System (BES) operations, particularly the protection of real-time assessment and real-time monitoring data exchanged between applicable Control Centers. Meanwhile, CIP-015-1, which became effective in September 2025, introduced Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM) requirements for applicable environments and established a phased implementation timeline extending into the coming years. Together, these standards are increasing cybersecurity expectations for operational communications, visibility, and monitoring across utility environments. These developments are prompting utilities to look more closely at whether the networks underpinning critical operations can support evolving objectives around security, visibility, resiliency, and audit readiness.
What You'll Learn
Discover how NERC CIP-012-2 and CIP-015 are expanding cybersecurity expectations across utility communications networks. Learn why communications infrastructure is becoming part of the compliance boundary, how legacy transport architectures may create security and audit challenges, and how utilities can modernize networks with built-in security, visibility, segmentation, and resiliency. You'll also discover practical approaches for reducing compliance complexity without disrupting existing operations.
- Public The Deadline Has Arrived: What Changed?
- Who Is Most Affected by CIP-012-2 and CIP-015?
- The Core Problem: Utility Networks Were Built for Availability
- The Network Has Become Part of the Compliance Boundary
- Why Legacy Architectures Are Becoming a Compliance Risk
- Building a CIP-Ready Network Architecture
- How Ceragon Helps Reduce Compliance Complexity
- The Secure Foundation: Ceragon’s Portfolio of Microwave Radios
- Scaling Secure Backbone Connectivity
- Securing the Grid Edge with MultiHaul TG
- Compliance Without Infrastructure Replacement
- Delay Is the Most Expensive Strategy
- Bottom Line: Compliance Starts with Connectivity
The Deadline Has Arrived: What Changed?
While the exact scope varies by asset classification and architecture, utilities should evaluate whether critical operational communications and monitoring environments fall within applicable compliance requirements.
For utilities operating legacy microwave systems, leased infrastructure, or partially segmented OT environments, these evolving requirements may reveal gaps that require additional controls, monitoring, or modernization efforts.
Organizations unable to secure operational traffic may face:
- Significant financial penalties for non-compliance, currently exceeding $1.5 million per violation per day under NERC's inflation-adjusted penalty framework
- Increased audit scrutiny and regulatory oversight
- Mandated remediation programs
- Operational disruption and recovery challenges
Many legacy utility communication networks were designed before today's cybersecurity and resiliency requirements became a priority, making it more difficult and costly to support today's cybersecurity and compliance expectations under NERC CIP.
Who This Impacts Most
Fiber The pressure is greatest for utilities that are:
- Increasing automation and remote operations
- Extending connectivity to unmanned substations and field assets
- Relying on legacy transport architectures with limited segmentation or encryption
- Looking to tighten and improve their security
Utilities should assess whether operational communications supporting BES Cyber Systems, Control Centers, Electronic Security Perimeters (ESPs), or other applicable environments fall within current or upcoming compliance obligations.
The Core Challenge: Legacy Utility Networks Were Not Designed for Today's Cybersecurity Landscape
Many utility communication networks were deployed before modern cybersecurity threats, regulatory frameworks, and large-scale IP connectivity became critical considerations. As a result, utilities are investing in network modernization to improve security, monitoring, resiliency, and operational flexibility.
Different operational services—including tele-protection, SCADA, telemetry, operational voice, and video applications—often have different latency, availability, and security requirements.
To address evolving NERC cybersecurity requirements, utilities are increasingly implementing capabilities such as:
- Encryption and protection of sensitive operational communications
- Network segmentation and traffic isolation
- Internal network security monitoring
- Strong authentication and access controls
- High availability and operational resiliency
The specific controls required depend on the applicable standards, asset classifications, and documented risk mitigation strategies.
The problem is that many legacy transport architectures—whether fiber, leased lines, legacy wireless—lack these capabilities natively. They move traffic efficiently. But they were never designed to actively secure it.
It is important to note that CIP-012-2 and CIP-015 do not prescribe a specific network architecture or technology. Rather, they require utilities to implement and document controls that reduce cybersecurity risk, maintain visibility, and support reliable operation of critical systems. As a result, many utilities are evaluating whether their existing communications infrastructure can effectively support these objectives.
The Network Has Become Part of the Compliance Boundary
CIP-012-2 and CIP-015 increase the importance of communications infrastructure as part of an overall cybersecurity strategy for protecting critical utility operations. Utilities increasingly implement controls such as:
• Encryption of operational communications in transit
• Strong authentication and access controls
• Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM)
• Resilient communications architectures designed to support operational continuity
As utilities strengthen cybersecurity programs, communications infrastructure is increasingly expected to support security, visibility, resiliency, and operational continuity objectives alongside traditional availability requirements. For many utilities, this is where major architectural gaps begin to emerge.
Why Legacy Architectures Are Becoming a Compliance Risk
Traditional transport infrastructures were optimized for coverage and availability—not for embedded cybersecurity enforcement.
As a result, many legacy environments were not originally designed with capabilities such as:
- Native line-rate encryption
- Service-level segmentation
- Integrated monitoring and SIEM visibility
- Centralized authentication and access control
- High-availability failover architectures
Utilities often attempt to compensate by layering external security appliances and overlay controls onto existing infrastructure. But these approaches frequently introduce additional latency, operational complexity, management overhead, and cost, while still leaving architectural blind spots.
In practice, this creates growing exposure across three areas:
- Compliance risk through increased audit findings and remediation pressure
- Security risk through expanded attack surfaces and reduced visibility
- Operational risk through fragile infrastructures supporting mission-critical services
Legacy transport environments may require additional controls, operational processes, or architectural modifications to support evolving cybersecurity and compliance objectives
Building a CIP-Ready Network Architecture
A modern CIP-aligned utility network should deliver security, resiliency, operational visibility, and predictable performance for critical grid communications. That includes:
- High-performance encryption capabilities (e.g., AES-based IPsec, MACsec, or TLS) to protect operational traffic
- Network segmentation capabilities (e.g., VLAN, VRF, MPLS/MPLS-TP, or equivalent technologies) to isolate critical services and traffic flows
- Strong authentication, authorization, and access control mechanisms for users, devices, and management systems
- Network visibility, telemetry, logging, and monitoring capabilities that support Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM) programs and evolving CIP-015 requirements
- High availability, path diversity, and rapid recovery mechanisms to support mission-critical operations
- Predictable performance for mission-critical applications and operational communications
Achieving all of this through fragmented overlay architectures quickly becomes operationally complex and financially difficult to scale. Embedding these capabilities directly into the transport layer provides a far more resilient and manageable approach.
For many utilities, the fastest way to identify exposure is to evaluate whether the network can:
- Encrypt operational communications in transit
- Segment critical services and operational domains
- Enforce centralized access policies
- Maintain deterministic performance for protection traffic
- Provide continuous audit visibility across distributed environments
Compliance is not achieved through technology alone. NERC CIP compliance depends on how controls are implemented, documented, monitored, and maintained within an organization's broader cybersecurity and operational processes. Communications infrastructure can support these objectives, but compliance ultimately remains the responsibility of the utility.
How Ceragon Helps Utilities Reduce Compliance Complexity
Ceragon enables utilities to build secure-by-design communications infrastructures that embed security, segmentation, resiliency, and visibility directly into the end-to-end wireless network. Rather than relying heavily on fragmented overlay security architectures, utilities can implement networks where compliance capabilities are integrated directly into how the infrastructure operates.
This approach helps reduce:
- Operational complexity
- Infrastructure sprawl
- Deployment timelines
- External security appliance dependency
- Audit preparation burden
Most importantly, it allows utilities to modernize communications infrastructure while strengthening both security posture and simplifying audit preparation.
The Secure Foundation: Ceragon’s Portfolio of Microwave Radios
At the core of a modern utility communications architecture is the transport platform itself. Ceragon’s comprehensive portfolio of microwave platforms, from IP-50C and IP-50CX full outdoor (all IP/Ethernet) platforms, to RFU-D and RFU-D-HP split-mount solutions, combined with the IP-20N and IP-50GPX IDU’s, for hybrid IP and TDM connectivity, and RFU-A and RFU-D-HP in all-indoor configuration, spans substations, control centers, renewable energy sites, and distributed operational environments.
Built-in capabilities include:
- AES-256 encrypted transport
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- TACACS+ and RADIUS authentication
- VLAN and IP/MPLS, MPLS-TP segmentation
- Secure API access
- SIEM/SOC integration
These capabilities help utilities secure mission-critical services such as SCADA, tele-protection, operational telemetry, and field communications—while reducing dependence on external security overlays.
The Scaling Secure Backbone Connectivity: Ceragon's Split-Mount and Full Indoor Microwave Portfolio
As utilities interconnect more substations, renewable sites, and distributed operational assets, backbone resiliency becomes increasingly critical. Ceragon's Split-Mount and Full Indoor Microwave Portfolio provide secure, high-capacity wireless transport designed for utility backbone environments, combining modern packet-based and legacy-TDM OT networks interfaces and services.
Key capabilities include:
- Multi-gigabit OT aggregation
- Diverse-path resiliency architectures
- Fiber extension and redundancy
- Rapid deployment in remote environments
- Low latency requirements of the industry for grid protection systems (i.e. tele-protection devices, distance and differential)
These platforms help utilities strengthen resiliency, reduce leased infrastructure dependency, and accelerate modernization in environments where fiber deployment may be delayed or operationally impractical.
Securing the Grid Edge with MultiHaul™ TG
Renewable integration, distribution automation, unmanned substations, and intelligent video deployments are pushing utility connectivity deeper into distributed edge environments.
Ceragon’s MultiHaul™ TG platform enables rapid deployment of secure, high-capacity mmWave connectivity in locations where fiber deployment may be too slow, expensive, or operationally impractical.
The platform supports:
- Distribution automation and IIoT backhaul
- Renewable energy connectivity (DER connectivity)
- Video surveillance, high-resolution imaging and sensorial backhaul
- Temporary operational deployments
- Remote field operations
With mesh resiliency and service-level separation, MultiHaul TG helps utilities extend secure communications deeper into the grid edge while simplifying deployment and modernization efforts.
Connecting the Utility Workforce and Grid Edge with /5G
As operational technology environments become increasingly distributed, utilities require secure communications architectures that extend cybersecurity controls from the control center to the grid edge.
Private LTE and 5G networks provide a secure and resilient communications layer supporting:
- Field workforce connectivity
- Distribution automation
- Smart grid sensors
- DER and renewable energy monitoring
- Utility video surveillance
- Mobile maintenance operations
- Drone and autonomous inspections
- Temporary operational deployments
Private wireless networks help utilities extend operational visibility, improve cyber security posture through centralized policy enforcement, and maintain communications continuity across geographically dispersed service territories.
A Unified Architecture—Not a Patchwork
Ceragon enables utilities to unify security and resiliency across core, backbone, and edge environments. Instead of deploying fragmented infrastructure layers with separate security overlays, utilities can implement integrated architectures where:
- IP-50C and IP-50CX provides secure and resilient communications for core and aggregation environments of modern packet-based OT networks
- RFU-D, RFU-D-HP combined with IP-20N and IP-50GPX IDU’s deliver resilient backbone connectivity where legacy TDM and modern IP/Ethernet systems co-exist.
- MultiHaul TG extends secure communications to the grid edge
- Private LTE and 5G networks extend secure, managed communications and cybersecurity controls to field personnel, mobile assets, intelligent devices, and distributed energy resources
Together, these platforms help utilities simplify operations, improve resiliency, and accelerate modernization initiatives while supporting evolving compliance requirements.
A Compliance Without Infrastructure Replacement
For many utilities, one of the biggest modernization challenges is reducing compliance risk without disrupting existing operations. Ceragon’s solutions are designed to integrate into existing utility environments, enabling phased modernization strategies that minimize operational disruption.
Utilities can:
- Extend existing OT infrastructures
- Add secure wireless redundancy
- Scale bandwidth incrementally
- Support hybrid fiber-wireless architectures
- Accelerate deployment timelines
- Reduce operational downtime
This allows utilities to modernize communications infrastructure at their own pace while improving both resiliency and compliance readiness.
Delay Is the Most Expensive Strategy
As cybersecurity expectations continue to evolve and phased implementation milestones for CIP-012-2 and CIP-015-1 approach, delaying modernization creates increasing operational and financial exposure. Utilities that postpone infrastructure upgrades may face:
- Higher retrofit costs
- Greater audit exposure
- Increased operational disruption
- More complex remediation efforts
- Growing dependence on aging infrastructure
The longer modernization is delayed, the more technical debt, security risk, and remediation costs utilities accumulate.
Utilities that move early can modernize incrementally, reduce long-term costs, and strengthen operational resiliency on their own timeline.
Bottom Line
Recent NERC CIP developments are increasing the cybersecurity expectations placed on utility communications infrastructure supporting critical operational functions. The network is no longer just a transport mechanism for moving data. It is increasingly expected to support security, visibility, resiliency, and operational continuity across critical grid operations.
Utilities that modernize proactively can reduce compliance exposure, simplify operations, and build a stronger foundation for long-term grid transformation. Those that delay may find themselves retrofitting security into infrastructures never designed for today’s operational and regulatory realities.
Ceragon helps utilities make this transition by embedding security directly into the entire wireless network—reducing complexity, improving resiliency, and supporting secure modernization across the modern grid.
FAQs
1. What is NERC CIP-012-2?
NERC CIP-012-2 focuses on protecting communications between applicable Control Centers and other critical BES Cyber System environments through encryption and other cybersecurity controls.
2. What is CIP-015?
CIP-015 introduces Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM) requirements designed to improve visibility into network activity and strengthen cybersecurity monitoring capabilities.
3. Which utilities are most affected?
Utilities operating BES Cyber Systems, Control Centers, Electronic Security Perimeters, substations, renewable energy sites, and distributed operational environments may need to evaluate compliance applicability.
4. Does NERC CIP require a specific network technology?
No. NERC CIP standards are technology-neutral and focus on implementing, documenting, monitoring, and maintaining appropriate cybersecurity controls.
5. Why are legacy communications networks creating compliance challenges?
Many legacy transport infrastructures were designed for availability and performance but lack embedded capabilities such as encryption, segmentation, authentication, and monitoring.
6. How can utilities improve compliance readiness?
Utilities should evaluate encryption, segmentation, access controls, monitoring visibility, resiliency, and audit capabilities across their communications infrastructure.
7. How do Ceragon solutions help?
Ceragon solutions provide secure transport, AES-256 encryption, segmentation, authentication, SIEM integration, resiliency, and visibility capabilities that support utility cybersecurity and modernization objectives.
8. When do CIP-012-2 and CIP-015-1 take effect?
CIP-015-1 became effective in September 2025 and includes phased implementation requirements. CIP-012-2 becomes effective on July 1, 2026. Utilities should review the applicable implementation plans and enforcement timelines associated with each standard to understand their specific obligations and deadlines.
TAKEAWAYS
- NERC CIP-012-2 and CIP-015 increase cybersecurity expectations for utility communications networks
- Communications infrastructure is becoming part of the compliance boundary
- Legacy transport architectures may require additional controls and modernization
- Encryption, segmentation, monitoring, and resiliency are increasingly important capabilities
- Secure-by-design communications infrastructure can reduce operational complexity
- Compliance depends on people, processes, and technology—not technology alone
- Utilities that modernize early can reduce long-term risk and remediation cost
- Secure connectivity is becoming the foundation of utility cybersecurity and compliance
