Protect power grids, water systems, and critical utility infrastructure. FrameworkMapper maps your security controls against NIST CSF v2 and CIS Controls — the frameworks NERC, EPA, and CISA reference for utility sector compliance.
Why This Matters
Critical infrastructure operators face escalating cyber threats with real public safety consequences.
Increase in cyberattacks on utilities from 2015–2023
Source: Dragos
2021 FL water system attack attempted to alter chemical treatment — OT vulnerability exposed
Public record
NERC CIP mandates cybersecurity for bulk electric operators; AWIA requires risk assessments for water systems serving 3,300+ people
Federal regulation
Most utilities operate aging OT/ICS infrastructure with limited cybersecurity visibility
Industry challenge
Recommended Frameworks
FrameworkMapper supports these frameworks with utility sector-tuned prioritization built in.
| Framework | Why It Applies | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NIST CSF v2 | Core risk management framework used for NERC CIP gap analysis and utility security programs | Strongly Recommended |
| CIS Controls v8.1 | EPA and CISA-recommended for water sector; broadly applicable across all utility types | Strongly Recommended |
| NIST SP 800-53 | Applicable for utilities under federal regulatory oversight (FERC, EPA) | Conditional |
How FrameworkMapper Helps
Map enterprise security tools against NIST CSF and CIS Controls. Understand your posture before an expensive NERC CIP or AWIA assessment.
Launch AggregatorToolMapper surfaces tools relevant for operational technology, including ICS-specific solutions with analyst coverage.
Launch ToolMapperNIST CSF and CIS assessments produce board-ready reports for regulatory submissions, executive briefings, and AWIA compliance documentation.
View AssessmentsThe Universal Control Prioritization Algorithm uses seven factors, each weighted to reflect the realities of utility sector security programs.
| Factor | Weight | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| T Threat Relevance | 0.20 | Controls targeting the most common utility threats (OT compromise, ransomware) score higher |
| D Dependency Score | 0.15 | Foundation controls that enable IT/OT security integration are prioritized |
| E Effort-to-Value | 0.15 | High-impact controls implementable without disrupting operational continuity |
| B Blast Radius | 0.15 | Controls preventing grid-wide or system-wide incidents receive a boost |
| R Regulatory Criticality | 0.20 | Higher weight — NERC CIP, AWIA, and FERC create binding regulatory obligations for utilities |
| C Coverage Breadth | 0.10 | Controls addressing both IT and OT attack vectors prioritized |
| A Asset Exposure | 0.05 | Controls protecting critical OT assets and public-facing infrastructure weighted accordingly |
Note: Utilities uses the SLTT (V06) weight profile as a proxy. A dedicated Utilities profile is on the FrameworkMapper roadmap.
Regulatory Criticality and Threat Relevance share equal weighting — reflecting sector regulations (NERC CIP, AWIA) and the public safety consequences of utility cyberattacks.
Read the Full UCPA MethodologyStart free with the Coverage Aggregator or run a full NIST CSF or CIS Controls assessment tuned for utility sector requirements.