What must be done with events logged at the BES Cyber System level?

Events logged at the Bulk Electric System (BES) Cyber System level serve a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure. Specifically, these logs are essential for after-the-fact investigations, providing detailed information about system activities, incidents, or anomalies that may have occurred. This recorded data can be analyzed to understand the context of an event, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop measures to prevent future incidents or security breaches.

The ability to conduct thorough investigations using log data is a fundamental requirement under the NERC CIP standards, as it helps organizations respond to incidents effectively and ensures compliance with regulatory expectations. This investigative use of logs is critical for enhancing the overall security posture of the organization and maintaining the reliability of the power grid.

While logs can be relevant for other purposes, such as training or archiving, their primary mandated function is the facilitation of after-the-fact investigations to ensure any issues are thoroughly understood and addressed. This emphasis on investigative use aligns with the overarching goals of the NERC CIP standards to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.