DirectConnect

NERC is considering a major shift in how CIP standards work — including a parallel “100 Series” designed for cloud and system-based environments.

In this episode of Direct Connect with Archer, Steve Parker and John Fallon break down:

• Why the current device-focused model struggles with cloud
• What a system-based approach could change
• The compliance and audit complexity this may introduce
• How vendors, utilities, and security programs could be affected

Link to the CIP & Cloud Services Document: https://www.nerc.com/globalassets/standards/projects/2023-09/white-paper/project-2023-09-risk-management-for-third-party-cloud-services-white-paper_121825.pdf

Is this the future of CIP… or a compliance headache in the making?

#NERC #CyberSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CloudSecurity #NERCCompliance #OTSecurity #CIPStandards #ArcherEnergy

In the first Direct Connect of 2026, the Archer team looks ahead at what’s coming for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, resilience, and compliance in the year ahead.

Managing Partner Stacy Bresler is joined by Managing Partners Steve Parker and Brian Pauling, along with Archer's new Account Manager, John Fallon for a candid roundtable discussion on the biggest risks and trends shaping 2026, including:

• Upcoming NERC CIP changes and regulatory focus areas
• The accelerating impact of AI, deepfakes, and automated attacks
• Supply chain, physical security, and remote connectivity risks
• Extreme weather response and grid reliability challenges
• The rise of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) and grid transformation
• Why the unknown may be the greatest risk of all

From boardroom priorities to frontline security teams, this conversation explores what leaders should be thinking about now to prepare for what’s next.

🎥 Watch to hear where the Archer team believes organizations should focus their time, funding, and people in 2026—and beyond.

#DirectConnect #CriticalInfrastructure #Cybersecurity #NERC #CIPCompliance #OperationalResilience #AIinSecurity #IBR #GridTransformation #PhysicalSecurity #SupplyChainRisk #ExtremeWeather #CyberRisk #ArcherEnergySolutions

In this episode of Direct Connect, Stacy Bresler, Leonard Chamberlin and Steve Parker, Managing Partners at Archer, break down one of the most common (and dangerous) traps in NERC CIP and regulatory compliance: obsessing over your last audit.

Auditors change. Risks change. Rules change. Teams change. So why are so many utilities still anchored to what happened 3+ years ago?

From shifting threat environments to controls-focused audits, internal controls, and what it really means to be secure vs. simply “passing,” this conversation hits the heart of modern compliance.

👉 If you want to be ready for your next audit, this episode is a must-watch.

#NERC #CIPCompliance #CriticalInfrastructure #DirectConnect #AuditPreparation #Cybersecurity #Utilities #PowerGrid #ArcherEnergy #RiskManagement

Episode: (Un)Manageable Rate of Industry Changes

Critical infrastructure is evolving faster than ever — from accelerating NERC CIP regulations and IBR growth to cloud migration and expanding cyber threats. In this episode of Direct Connect, Stacy Bresler and Steven Parker discuss the challenges facing compliance, operations, and cybersecurity teams, and share strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Whether you’re a compliance officer, engineer, or cybersecurity professional, this episode offers insights on managing risk, prioritizing efforts, and building resilience in today’s fast-paced energy sector.

As data centers expand into rural America, small utilities are facing big changes — from compliance challenges and workforce shortages to surging energy demand. In this episode of DirectConnect, Stacy Bresler and Brian Pauling discuss how AI, weather, and grid fragility are creating a perfect storm for the future of energy.

#Hashtags: #DataCenters #EnergySector #GridReliability #NERC #Utilities #Compliance #AI #Infrastructure #RuralAmerica #DirectConnect #ArcherEnergySolutions

In this episode of Direct Connect, Archer Managing Partners Leonard Chamberlin and Steve Parker are joined by former FERC colleague and new Archer team member Barry Kuehnle to break down the newly approved NERC CIP-015-1 standard on Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM). They explore the standard’s origins, timeline, implementation challenges, and key technical debates—from sensor placement to endpoint protection to software-defined networking. Whether you're in compliance, security, or policy, this discussion is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

🔗 Subscribe for more NERC/CIP updates and expert takes.

#CIP015 #NERCCompliance #NERCStandards #INSM #InternalNetworkSecurityMonitoring #CriticalInfrastructureProtection #CyberCompliance #GridSecurity #UtilitySecurity #OTSecurity #ArcherEnergySolutions

In this episode of DirectConnect, Steve Parker and Stacy Bresler, Managing Partners at Archer, take a closer look at why inverter-based resources are suddenly on the radar.

As the energy grid evolves, Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)—like solar, wind, and battery systems—are playing a bigger role. But unlike traditional synchronous generators, IBRs interact with the grid differently, creating new reliability and cybersecurity challenges. Their rapid integration has caught the attention of regulators and operators who now recognize the urgent need for updated standards, visibility, and controls to ensure grid stability. IBRs aren’t just the future—they’re a current risk that demands attention.

Links from the episode:

NERC IBR Performance Issues Report: https://www.nerc.com/comm/RSTC_Reliability_Guidelines/NERC_Inverter-Based_Resource_Performance_Issues_Public_Report_2023.pdf

NARUC - Cybersecurity Baselines for Electric Distribution Systems and DER: https://www.naruc.org/core-sectors/critical-infrastructure-and-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-for-utility-regulators/cybersecurity-baselines/

Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

#IBR #ElectricDistribution #NARUC #Solar #Wind #BatterySystems #ArcherEnergySolutions #CriticalInfrastructure #PhysicalSecurity #Podcast #Cybersecurity #Compliance #FERC #NERC #CIPStandards #FiresideChat #Fortune500

In this episode of DirectConnect, Steve Parker and Brent Castagnetto, Managing Partners at Archer, dive into the latest updates in the NERC CIP world. While many were enjoying the holidays, NERC was busy pushing key projects forward, including virtualization updates, changes to baseline requirements, and new definitions impacting compliance. What do these changes mean for the industry?

Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

#NERCCIP #Changes #Security #ArcherEnergySolutions #CriticalInfrastructure #PhysicalSecurity #Podcast #Cybersecurity #Compliance #FERC #NERC #CIPStandards #FiresideChat #Fortune500

In this episode of DirectConnect, Leonard Chamberlin and Stacy Bresler, Managing Partners at Archer, sit down and talk about how to get started with Security Risk Management.

Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

#RiskManagement #GettingStarted #Security #ArcherEnergySolutions #CriticalInfrastructure #PhysicalSecurity #Podcast #Cybersecurity #Compliance #FERC #NERC #CIPStandards #FiresideChat #Fortune500

In this episode of DirectConnect, Leonard Chamberlin and Brent Castagnetto, Managing Partners at Archer, sit down with IT Manager, Conor Martin, to talk about Archer’s new Datacenters and Disasters (D&D) Role Playing Exercises.

Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

#DandD #RolePlayingGames #RPG #ArcherEnergySolutions #CriticalInfrastructure #PhysicalSecurity #Podcast #Cybersecurity #Compliance #FERC #NERC #CIPStandards #FiresideChat #Fortune500