Electric Utility Cooperative Strengthens Critical Infrastructure Security with Cisco ISE Implementation
A Colorado-based electric cooperative serving residential and commercial customers engaged CONVX to implement Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control.
An electric cooperative · client anonymized · Project · Standard engagement · 2 min read
Client Overview
A Colorado-based electric cooperative serving residential and commercial customers engaged CONVX to implement Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control. As a critical infrastructure provider, the cooperative required enterprise-grade identity and access management to protect systems that manage electrical grid operations, customer data, and business functions.
Business Challenge
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Electric utility networks are high-value targets for cyberattacks. Without network access control, unauthorized devices or users could potentially access systems that manage electrical distribution, creating risks to grid reliability and public safety.
Compliance Requirements: Energy sector regulations increasingly require utilities to demonstrate robust network access controls and identity management capabilities as part of their cybersecurity compliance programs.
Network Visibility Gaps: Without centralized identity services, the cooperative lacked visibility into what devices were connected to their network and whether connected endpoints met security policy requirements.
CONVX Solution Approach
CONVX implemented Cisco ISE to provide comprehensive network access control across the cooperative's infrastructure.
ISE Platform Deployment: We deployed and configured Cisco Identity Services Engine as the centralized policy decision point for network access, integrating with the cooperative's existing network infrastructure.
802.1X Authentication: CONVX implemented 802.1X port-based authentication ensuring that only authorized devices and users can access the network, with policy enforcement at the network edge.
Network Security Policies: We designed and deployed granular access policies that differentiate between employee devices, guest access, and operational technology systems, ensuring appropriate access levels for each category.
Technology Implementation
Identity and Access:
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
- 802.1X port-based network authentication
- Network Access Control (NAC) policies
- Identity management system integration
- Network security policy enforcement
Business Outcomes
Protected Critical Infrastructure: Network access control ensures only authorized devices and users can reach critical utility systems, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access to electrical grid operations.
Regulatory Compliance Support: ISE implementation provides the identity management and access control documentation required by energy sector cybersecurity regulations.
Complete Network Visibility: Centralized identity services give the cooperative full visibility into connected devices and their compliance status, enabling proactive security management.
CONVX Expertise Demonstrated
This engagement demonstrates CONVX's expertise in securing critical infrastructure environments where network security directly impacts public safety and essential services. Our Cisco ISE implementation experience, combined with understanding of utility sector security requirements, enables us to deliver identity and access management solutions appropriate for critical infrastructure protection.