Expert NERC CIP audit services, compliance readiness assessments, gap analysis, and Evidence Request Tool (ERT) support for electric utilities and Bulk Electric System entities. Lazarus Alliance's Proactive Cyber Security™ and IT Audit Machine deliver continuous compliance, audit success, and grid reliability without disruptions. Contact us for seamless NERC CIP preparation.
The professionals at Lazarus Alliance are completely committed to you and your business’ NERC CIP audit success. Regardless of whether you represent the private sector or the public sector, we stand ready to partner with your organizations. Our competition may want to keep you and your employees in the dark where security, risk, privacy and governance are concerned hoping to conceal their methodology and expertise. We don’t prescribe to that philosophy. We believe the best approach is transparent and built on a partnership developed on trust and credibility.

Lazarus Alliance’s primary purpose is to help organizations attain, maintain, and demonstrate compliance and information security excellence – in any jurisdiction. Lazarus Alliance specializes in IT security, risk, privacy, governance, cyberspace law and NERC CIP audit compliance leadership solutions and is fully dedicated to global success in these disciplines. We can help your organization too! Our clients come from all business sectors across the world.

Why Work With Lazarus Alliance For A NERC CIP Audit?

Choosing the right partner for your NERC CIP audit is critical to avoiding penalties, ensuring reliable operations, and building long-term resilience in the bulk electric system. Lazarus Alliance stands out as a leader in NERC CIP compliance with a client-first, innovative approach that delivers real results without the stress and high costs often associated with traditional audits.

Here are the top reasons electric utilities and BES entities worldwide choose Lazarus Alliance:

  1. Proactive Cyber Security™ Methodology: Unlike traditional firms that rely on chaotic, end-of-period "Audit Anarchy," Lazarus Alliance uses a continuous audit approach that keeps you compliant year-round. This prevents last-minute scrambles and embeds security into your daily operations for sustainable, cost-effective protection.
  2. Proprietary IT Audit Machine (ITAM) Technology: Exclusive to Lazarus Alliance, this powerful SaaS platform automates evidence collection, streamlines reporting, and provides full transparency and collaboration. Clients consistently praise ITAM for simplifying complex audits, reducing manual work, and accelerating compliance timelines.
  3. True Client Advocacy and Transparency: We work for you, not against you—no hidden methodologies, scope creep, or annual price hikes. Our team acts as your advocate during regional entity audits, providing subject-matter expertise and NERC CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT) orientation to ensure you succeed.
  4. Unmatched Flexibility and Speed: Baseline assessments are typically completed in just a few weeks, scheduled entirely around your team's availability. No disruptions to operations, no rigid timelines—just efficient, concierge-level service that fits your real-world obligations.
  5. Deep NERC CIP Expertise Covering All Standards: Full mastery of CIP-002 through CIP-011 (and CIP-014 physical security), including cyber asset identification, electronic/physical perimeters, incident response, recovery plans, configuration management, and more. Our Cybervisors™ bring decades of hands-on experience in energy sector compliance worldwide.
  6. Cost-Effective, On-Budget, On-Schedule Delivery: By engineering security into your infrastructure from the start (not bolting it on), we reduce long-term costs while delivering superior protection. Clients achieve compliance without breaking the bank or missing deadlines.
  7. Proven Track Record of Trust and Reliability: With over 25 years of experience and thousands of successful engagements, Lazarus Alliance has earned a reputation for Service, Integrity, and Reliability. We serve private and public sector utilities across North America and beyond, building lasting partnerships based on results.

When you partner with Lazarus Alliance, you're not just checking a compliance box—you're gaining a strategic ally dedicated to your long-term success and grid reliability.

Our Cybervisors will proactively and collaboratively identify risk exposures that threaten your organization, call +1 (888) 896-7580  to get started. — Michael Peters, CEO & Founder

Comprehensive NERC CIP Audit Services

Once a company has made the decision to enlist a third party to provide a service, it wants assurances that those services will be provided in a timely, accurate, and secure manner. A NERC CIP audit or 693-based audits shows your commitment to maintaining a sound control environment that protects your client’s data and confidential information.
Lazarus Alliance's NERC CIP services are designed to serve the needs of North American bulk power system covered entities in regard to CIP compliance.

Lazarus Alliance offers a complete range of services built around the key areas of CIP compliance standards:

NERC CIP Overview:

  • NERC CIP-002: Critical Cyber Asset Identification
  • NERC CIP-003: Security Management Controls
  • NERC CIP-004: Personnel and Training
  • NERC CIP-005: Electronic Security Perimeter
  • NERC CIP-006: Physical Security of Critical Cyber Assets
  • NERC CIP-007: Systems Security Management
  • NERC CIP-008: Incident Reporting and Response Planning
  • NERC CIP-009: Recovery Plans for Critical Cyber Assets
  • NERC CIP-010:  Configuration Change Management and Vulnerability Assessment
  • NERC CIP-011:  Information Protections
Expert NERC CIP audit services, compliance readiness assessments, gap analysis, and Evidence Request Tool (ERT) support for electric utilities and Bulk Electric System entities. Lazarus Alliance's Proactive Cyber Security™ and IT Audit Machine deliver continuous compliance, audit success, and grid reliability without disruptions. Contact us for seamless NERC CIP preparation.

Companion Services

It is crucial for electric utilities to be prepared for malicious attacks and internal actions that could negatively affect their operations and organization. Utilities must consider how they are being logically and physically accessed in order to optimize their security approach. While utilities have a reputation for engineering just about everything, they often treat security programs and systems as “add-ons”. This approach only ensures that the expenditures are more costly and far less effective, and have a shorter operational life cycle.
To ensure effective regulatory compliance with the NERC CIP audit standards, and to enhance their risk management programs, Information Technology, Physical and Personnel Security programs, and Business Continuity should be engineered into literally every project and operational processes so that actual use of these practices in daily functions strengthens the security of the utility while supporting safe and secure operations. In short, they should be built into the very infrastructure of utility operations, whether it is a Systems Operations Control Center, Substation, or Generation Facility.
  • Compliance Readiness Assessments
  • Subject-Matter Expertise
  • NERC CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT) orientation
  • Gap Assessments
  • Client Advocacy
Lazarus Alliance proactive cybersecurity, accreditation, and NERC CIP assessment services timeline.

Basic Timeline for NERC CIP Audit Services from Lazarus Alliance

Lazarus Alliance delivers NERC CIP audit services through a flexible, client-centered Proactive Cyber Security™ methodology. This continuous audit approach avoids the stress of traditional "end-of-period" rushes, embedding compliance into your operations for long-term reliability and grid security.

The timeline adapts to your organization's size, readiness, and team availability—ensuring no disruptions to daily operations. Here's a typical breakdown:

  1. Initial Consultation and Scoping (1-2 weeks): We start with discussions to understand your needs, define the scope (e.g., full NERC CIP audit, gap analysis, readiness assessment, or Evidence Request Tool orientation), and develop a customized plan. Scheduling fits your team's obligations for a smooth kickoff.
  2. Baseline Assessment and Evidence Gathering (2-4 weeks): Our experts evaluate your current controls across key NERC CIP standards (e.g., CIP-002 for cyber asset identification, CIP-005/CIP-006 for perimeters, CIP-007 for systems security). We leverage proprietary IT Audit Machine (ITAM) technology for efficient, collaborative evidence collection—minimizing manual effort.
  3. Gap Analysis, Findings, and Reporting (1-2 weeks): We identify compliance gaps, deliver actionable recommendations, and provide a comprehensive report. The entire baseline phase often completes in just a few weeks from start to finish, keeping you on budget and schedule.
  4. Remediation and Implementation Support (Ongoing, as needed): Partner with our Cybervisors™ to address findings, update policies, train personnel, and strengthen controls. This phase varies based on your specific gaps but focuses on practical, cost-effective improvements.
  5. Continuous Auditing and Maintenance (Long-term partnership): Transition to ongoing monitoring and proactive reviews to maintain compliance year-round. This prepares you seamlessly for official NERC or Regional Entity audits (typically every 5+ years) without last-minute panic.

Lazarus Alliance's approach stands out for its speed and efficiency—the initial baseline and readiness work wraps up quickly (often in a few weeks total), while building sustainable compliance that evolves with NERC CIP updates.

Ready to get started on your tailored timeline? Contact Lazarus Alliance at +1 (888) 896-7580 or visit lazarusalliance.com for a no-obligation consultation. We're here to make NERC CIP compliance straightforward and successful.

NERC CIP Audit and 693 with Lazarus Alliance. Call +1 (888) 896-7580 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Lazarus Alliance provides comprehensive NERC CIP audit services, including full audits based on CIP standards and 693, compliance readiness assessments, gap analyses, and orientation with the NERC CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT). We also offer subject-matter expertise and client advocacy to ensure seamless compliance. Our approach integrates IT, physical, and personnel security, making us a top choice for North American bulk power system entities seeking reliable NERC CIP audit solutions.

A NERC CIP audit enhances your risk management by embedding robust security controls into operations, such as in control centers, substations, and generation facilities. Benefits include improved protection against malicious attacks, cost-efficient security programs, and sustainable compliance that aligns with your budget and schedule. Lazarus Alliance's Proactive Cyber Security™ methodology ensures continuous auditing, helping organizations demonstrate a strong control environment and build trust with stakeholders.

The NERC CIP audit process at Lazarus Alliance starts with a baseline assessment that typically lasts a few weeks, customized to your team's availability. We use flexible scheduling, proprietary IT Audit Machine technology for collaborative reporting, and a continuous audit approach to avoid last-minute rushes. This includes evaluating critical areas like security management (CIP-003), personnel training (CIP-004), and recovery plans (CIP-009), ensuring thorough preparation and efficient compliance.

To prepare for a NERC CIP compliance audit, begin with a gap assessment to identify weaknesses in areas like configuration change management (CIP-010) or information protections (CIP-011). Integrate security into all projects, train personnel, and document evidence using tools like the ERT. Lazarus Alliance offers expert guidance through readiness assessments and advocacy, helping electric utilities worldwide streamline preparation and achieve audit success without disruptions.

NERC CIP audits are essential for North American bulk power system covered entities, including private and public electric utilities, generation facilities, and transmission operators. Any organization involved in the bulk electric system must comply to protect against cyber and physical threats. Lazarus Alliance specializes in serving these entities with tailored NERC CIP audit services, ensuring global businesses in energy sectors maintain regulatory adherence and operational security.

Key NERC CIP standards in an audit include CIP-002 (critical cyber asset identification), CIP-006 (physical security), CIP-007 (systems security management), and CIP-010 (vulnerability assessments), among others. These standards address everything from incident response to information protection. Lazarus Alliance's audits thoroughly evaluate these to help utilities build effective, embedded security programs that meet NERC requirements and enhance overall infrastructure resilience.

The duration of a NERC CIP audit varies, but typically begins with a baseline assessment that takes a few weeks, depending on your organization's size and schedule. Lazarus Alliance's flexible, continuous approach ensures timely completion, with ongoing support for sustainable compliance. By partnering with us, utilities can achieve NERC CIP compliance efficiently, often on budget and ahead of deadlines, using our proven methodologies and technology.

Credentials You Can Count On

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) ISO/IEC 17020 accredited certification number 3822.01.

In any jurisdiction and in all industries. We are your global partner in compliance, risk, policy, security testing, financial audit and Cybervisor® services.

 

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Our Lazarus Alliance Cybervisor™ teams have experience performing thousands of assessments for organisations providing services to clients around the world.

We're here to answer any questions you may have.

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Benefits of NERC CIP Compliance

NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) standards are mandatory cybersecurity and physical security requirements designed to protect the Bulk Electric System (BES)—North America's power grid. Compliance goes beyond avoiding penalties; it delivers substantial operational, security, and strategic advantages for electric utilities and other responsible entities. Here are the key benefits:

  1. Enhanced Cybersecurity Posture: NERC CIP requires robust controls like access management, vulnerability assessments, incident response plans, and network monitoring. This strengthens defenses against cyberattacks, ransomware, and insider threats, reducing the risk of breaches that could disrupt the power supply.
  2. Improved Reliability and Resilience of the Power Grid: By identifying and protecting critical cyber assets, compliance helps prevent outages and ensures the BES operates reliably even under stress. This minimizes cascading failures and supports uninterrupted electricity delivery to homes, businesses, and essential services.
  3. Avoidance of Significant Financial Penalties: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines (often millions of dollars per violation) enforced by NERC and FERC. Staying compliant eliminates these costs and avoids reputational damage from enforcement actions.
  4. Better Risk Management and Threat Mitigation: Standards promote a risk-based approach, including configuration management, personnel training, and recovery planning. This proactively addresses vulnerabilities, physical threats, and supply chain risks, building long-term resilience.
  5. Regulatory Compliance and Audit Readiness: Meeting NERC CIP requirements satisfies regulatory oversight requirements, streamlines audits, and demonstrates accountability to regulators, stakeholders, and customers. It also aligns with frameworks like NIST CSF for broader security maturity.
  6. Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings: Embedding security controls into daily operations reduces manual efforts, prevents costly incidents, and can lower insurance premiums. Tools like automated monitoring make compliance a byproduct of strong security practices.
  7. Protection of Public Safety and National Security: A secure grid prevents disruptions that could impact healthcare, transportation, communications, and emergency services. Compliance safeguards critical infrastructure from state-sponsored attacks and other threats with far-reaching consequences.
  8. Stakeholder Trust and Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating compliance builds confidence among regulators, partners, and the public. It positions utilities as responsible operators committed to reliability, often leading to smoother collaborations and a stronger market reputation.

Overall, NERC CIP compliance transforms regulatory obligations into a foundation for proactive security, ensuring the stability of North America's electric grid in an evolving threat landscape. Utilities that exceed basic requirements often see the greatest gains in resilience and efficiency.

We want to be your partner and NERC CIP audit assessor of choice! For additional information, please call 1-888-896-7580.