SEL RTAC Cybersecurity Hardening — NERC CIP Compliance
Key Takeaway
How to harden the SEL RTAC for NERC CIP — password management, port hardening, role-based access, audit logging, encrypted communications, and electronic security perimeter design.
Quick Answer
RTAC cybersecurity hardening for NERC CIP includes changing default credentials, disabling unused ports/services (Telnet→SSH, HTTP→HTTPS), enabling audit logging, implementing DNP3 SAv5, and designing the electronic security perimeter with the RTAC as the access point.
NERC CIP Standards
- CIP-005 — Electronic Security Perimeter (RTAC as access point)
- CIP-007 — Systems Security Management (ports, passwords, patches, logging)
- CIP-010 — Configuration Change Management
- CIP-013 — Supply Chain Risk Management
Hardening Steps
- Change factory default web credentials immediately
- Create named user accounts (no shared accounts)
- Disable Telnet, enable SSH; disable HTTP, enable HTTPS
- Document all active ports and services
- Enable system event logging, forward to centralized syslog
- Enable DNP3 SAv5 for SCADA communication
SEL-3555 Features
Secure boot, hardware TPM, signed firmware updates. Preferred for new NERC CIP deployments.
See also SEL device cybersecurity and OT cybersecurity for data centers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when associated with high-impact or medium-impact BES cyber systems at transmission substations meeting BES criteria.
In ACSELERATOR RTAC system settings — disable Telnet, enable SSH as encrypted replacement. Document per CIP-007.
Security Patch Notifications alert customers to firmware vulnerabilities and patches. CIP-010 requires tracking and managing patches.
Still have questions about your setup? Talk to an engineer or call (210) 405-4248.