Quick Overview
- 1#1: Dragos Platform - Delivers OT cybersecurity with asset inventory, vulnerability management, and threat detection tailored for NERC CIP compliance in critical infrastructure.
- 2#2: Nozomi Networks Guardian - Offers deep packet inspection and anomaly detection for industrial networks to ensure NERC CIP standards like CIP-005 and CIP-007 are met.
- 3#3: Claroty Platform - Provides continuous monitoring, asset discovery, and risk assessment for OT environments to support NERC CIP auditing and protection.
- 4#4: Tenable.ot - Scans and manages vulnerabilities in OT systems with protocol-aware detection to facilitate NERC CIP-010 configuration management.
- 5#5: Core Compliance - Automates evidence collection and reporting specifically for NERC CIP-010 requirements in electric utilities.
- 6#6: Archer IRM - GRC platform with modules for NERC CIP policy management, risk assessment, and compliance workflows.
- 7#7: Industrial Defender - Deploys ruggedized appliances for OT network monitoring and CIP-005 electronic security perimeter enforcement.
- 8#8: Quindar - Cloud-based grid operations platform with built-in NERC compliance tracking and real-time reliability monitoring.
- 9#9: Forescout eyeExtend for Industrial - Enables zero-trust visibility and control for OT assets to comply with NERC CIP-007 system security management.
- 10#10: Armis Centrix - Agentless asset intelligence platform for discovering and securing unmanaged OT devices under NERC CIP requirements.
Tools were evaluated based on performance in core areas like asset management, threat detection, and compliance reporting; adherence to key standards such as CIP-005 and CIP-010; usability in complex OT environments; and overall value in balancing functionality with practical deployment needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates essential NERC CIP software solutions, assisting organizations in identifying tools that fit their compliance, monitoring, and risk management requirements. Including platforms like Dragos Platform, Nozomi Networks Guardian, Claroty Platform, Tenable.ot, and Core Compliance, it outlines key features to guide informed decision-making.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragos Platform Delivers OT cybersecurity with asset inventory, vulnerability management, and threat detection tailored for NERC CIP compliance in critical infrastructure. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Nozomi Networks Guardian Offers deep packet inspection and anomaly detection for industrial networks to ensure NERC CIP standards like CIP-005 and CIP-007 are met. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Claroty Platform Provides continuous monitoring, asset discovery, and risk assessment for OT environments to support NERC CIP auditing and protection. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Tenable.ot Scans and manages vulnerabilities in OT systems with protocol-aware detection to facilitate NERC CIP-010 configuration management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Core Compliance Automates evidence collection and reporting specifically for NERC CIP-010 requirements in electric utilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Archer IRM GRC platform with modules for NERC CIP policy management, risk assessment, and compliance workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Industrial Defender Deploys ruggedized appliances for OT network monitoring and CIP-005 electronic security perimeter enforcement. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Quindar Cloud-based grid operations platform with built-in NERC compliance tracking and real-time reliability monitoring. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Forescout eyeExtend for Industrial Enables zero-trust visibility and control for OT assets to comply with NERC CIP-007 system security management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Armis Centrix Agentless asset intelligence platform for discovering and securing unmanaged OT devices under NERC CIP requirements. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Delivers OT cybersecurity with asset inventory, vulnerability management, and threat detection tailored for NERC CIP compliance in critical infrastructure.
Offers deep packet inspection and anomaly detection for industrial networks to ensure NERC CIP standards like CIP-005 and CIP-007 are met.
Provides continuous monitoring, asset discovery, and risk assessment for OT environments to support NERC CIP auditing and protection.
Scans and manages vulnerabilities in OT systems with protocol-aware detection to facilitate NERC CIP-010 configuration management.
Automates evidence collection and reporting specifically for NERC CIP-010 requirements in electric utilities.
GRC platform with modules for NERC CIP policy management, risk assessment, and compliance workflows.
Deploys ruggedized appliances for OT network monitoring and CIP-005 electronic security perimeter enforcement.
Cloud-based grid operations platform with built-in NERC compliance tracking and real-time reliability monitoring.
Enables zero-trust visibility and control for OT assets to comply with NERC CIP-007 system security management.
Agentless asset intelligence platform for discovering and securing unmanaged OT devices under NERC CIP requirements.
Dragos Platform
enterpriseDelivers OT cybersecurity with asset inventory, vulnerability management, and threat detection tailored for NERC CIP compliance in critical infrastructure.
Protocol-aware sensors providing real-time behavioral analytics and threat hunting tailored to ICS protocols like Modbus and DNP3
The Dragos Platform is a leading operational technology (OT) cybersecurity solution designed specifically for industrial control systems (ICS) in critical infrastructure sectors like electric utilities. It delivers asset visibility, vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response capabilities through passive monitoring and deep protocol analysis, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. For NERC CIP compliance, it excels in automating asset inventories (CIP-002), continuous monitoring (CIP-007), and risk assessments (CIP-010), helping organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements with actionable intelligence.
Pros
- Unmatched OT/ICS protocol decoding and asset discovery for comprehensive NERC CIP-002 compliance
- Industry-leading threat intelligence from Dragos researchers, enabling proactive CIP-007 monitoring
- Scalable, agentless deployment that integrates seamlessly with existing utility environments
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for smaller utilities
- Steep learning curve for teams without OT cybersecurity expertise
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting customization for specific CIP audits
Best For
Large electric utilities and grid operators prioritizing top-tier NERC CIP compliance in high-stakes OT environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $500K+ annually based on assets/sites, with modular subscriptions.
Nozomi Networks Guardian
enterpriseOffers deep packet inspection and anomaly detection for industrial networks to ensure NERC CIP standards like CIP-005 and CIP-007 are met.
Protocol-native deep packet inspection engine that decodes and analyzes over 300 industrial protocols without impacting production systems.
Nozomi Networks Guardian is an advanced OT cybersecurity platform specializing in deep visibility, threat detection, and risk management for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure networks. It passively monitors network traffic using protocol-aware deep packet inspection across hundreds of OT protocols, enabling asset discovery, anomaly detection via machine learning, and automated vulnerability assessments. For NERC CIP compliance, it provides comprehensive reporting, configuration auditing, and incident response tools to meet standards like CIP-005, CIP-007, and CIP-010.
Pros
- Exceptional deep packet inspection for 300+ OT protocols with no agents required
- AI/ML-driven behavioral anomaly detection tailored for ICS environments
- Robust NERC CIP compliance reporting and audit trail capabilities
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing may deter smaller utilities
- Steep learning curve for users new to OT-specific security tools
- Less emphasis on IT/OT convergence compared to some hybrid platforms
Best For
Large energy utilities and grid operators prioritizing passive OT monitoring and NERC CIP-005/007 compliance in high-stakes environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $100K+ annually based on network scale and sensors deployed.
Claroty Platform
enterpriseProvides continuous monitoring, asset discovery, and risk assessment for OT environments to support NERC CIP auditing and protection.
Agentless deep packet inspection for proprietary ICS protocols, providing unparalleled OT asset visibility and protocol-level threat detection
The Claroty Platform is an OT cybersecurity solution that provides comprehensive visibility, asset discovery, and threat detection for industrial control systems, specifically tailored to help utilities achieve NERC CIP compliance. It excels in passive monitoring of ICS protocols, vulnerability management, and generating audit-ready reports for standards like CIP-010 and CIP-007. By bridging OT and IT security, it enables continuous risk assessment and secure remote access without disrupting operations.
Pros
- Deep passive asset discovery for legacy OT devices without agents
- Robust compliance reporting and evidence collection for NERC CIP audits
- Advanced threat detection using ICS-specific behavioral analytics
Cons
- High initial deployment and licensing costs for large-scale environments
- Steep learning curve for teams without OT expertise
- Limited native support for full IT/OT convergence compared to broader platforms
Best For
Large utilities and energy operators managing complex OT networks who need specialized NERC CIP compliance tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $100K+ annually based on assets monitored and deployment scale; quotes required.
Tenable.ot
enterpriseScans and manages vulnerabilities in OT systems with protocol-aware detection to facilitate NERC CIP-010 configuration management.
OT Security Ratings, which provide protocol-aware risk scoring and prioritization uniquely tailored for ICS/OT without IT-centric biases
Tenable.ot is a comprehensive operational technology (OT) security platform that delivers asset discovery, vulnerability management, and threat detection tailored for industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IIoT environments. It provides passive network monitoring and safe active scanning to inventory OT assets, prioritize risks, and generate compliance reports without disrupting critical operations. Specifically for NERC CIP, it maps controls to standards like CIP-002 (asset categorization), CIP-005 (electronic security perimeters), and CIP-010 (configuration change management), aiding utilities in audits and risk mitigation.
Pros
- Robust OT asset discovery and inventory with support for 30,000+ industrial protocols
- NERC CIP-specific compliance reporting and mapping with automated evidence collection
- Non-disruptive scanning and risk prioritization using OT Security Ratings
Cons
- Premium pricing that may strain smaller utilities' budgets
- Initial deployment requires significant network and OT expertise
- Limited native support for some legacy proprietary protocols compared to niche competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large electric utilities and energy operators needing scalable OT visibility and NERC CIP compliance in complex ICS environments.
Pricing
Subscription-based, priced per asset/sensor (typically $20K+ annually for mid-sized deployments); custom quotes required.
Core Compliance
specializedAutomates evidence collection and reporting specifically for NERC CIP-010 requirements in electric utilities.
Automated CIP-010 evidence retention and disposal engine with built-in retention policies
Core Compliance by Voyager Analytics is a specialized SaaS platform tailored for NERC CIP compliance in the electric utility sector. It streamlines evidence collection, risk assessments, and audit preparation across all CIP standards, including asset management (CIP-002), vulnerability assessments (CIP-005), and configuration management (CIP-007). The tool automates workflows to reduce manual effort and ensures continuous compliance monitoring with customizable reporting for regulators.
Pros
- CIP-specific automation for evidence lifecycle and workflows
- Strong audit-ready reporting and dashboard visualizations
- Seamless integration with common utility asset management systems
Cons
- Limited advanced AI-driven analytics compared to top competitors
- Initial setup requires significant configuration time
- Pricing can be opaque without custom quotes
Best For
Mid-sized electric utilities focused on streamlined NERC CIP evidence management and audit preparation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on user count and modules.
Archer IRM
enterpriseGRC platform with modules for NERC CIP policy management, risk assessment, and compliance workflows.
CIP Solution Accelerators with pre-configured workflows, content, and mappings for all 14 NERC CIP standards
Archer IRM is a leading enterprise Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform that provides comprehensive support for NERC CIP standards, enabling electric utilities to manage critical infrastructure protection requirements through risk assessments, control mapping, evidence collection, and automated workflows. It offers pre-built CIP Solution Accelerators for standards like CIP-005, CIP-007, and CIP-013, facilitating audit readiness and regulatory reporting. The platform integrates with other enterprise systems to centralize compliance data and drive continuous monitoring.
Pros
- Highly configurable low-code platform tailored for NERC CIP standards
- Robust reporting and analytics for audit defense
- Scalable integrations with asset management and SIEM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- High implementation costs and resource demands
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large electric utilities with complex NERC CIP compliance needs requiring enterprise-scale customization and integration.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $100K+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment size.
Industrial Defender
specializedDeploys ruggedized appliances for OT network monitoring and CIP-005 electronic security perimeter enforcement.
Agentless deep packet inspection for legacy ICS protocols, providing unparalleled visibility into air-gapped or sensitive OT networks
Industrial Defender is an OT cybersecurity platform specializing in asset visibility, vulnerability management, and compliance monitoring for industrial control systems in critical infrastructure. It excels in passive network scanning to discover and inventory assets without agents or disruptions, directly supporting NERC CIP requirements like CIP-002 (asset categorization) and CIP-007 (system security management). The solution provides protocol-specific deep packet inspection for legacy ICS environments, enabling anomaly detection, risk assessments, and automated reporting for regulatory audits.
Pros
- Non-intrusive passive monitoring ideal for operational OT environments
- Deep support for industrial protocols like Modbus and DNP3 for accurate NERC CIP compliance
- Robust automated reporting and evidence collection for audits
Cons
- Complex setup requiring OT expertise
- Pricing skewed toward large enterprises, less ideal for smaller utilities
- Limited native integrations with modern IT security stacks
Best For
Large electric utilities and industrial operators needing comprehensive OT asset management and NERC CIP-010 compliance without operational downtime.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model; custom quotes starting around $50,000 annually based on network size and modules.
Quindar
specializedCloud-based grid operations platform with built-in NERC compliance tracking and real-time reliability monitoring.
Automated continuous control assessments with evidence validation for CIP-005 and CIP-010
Quindar is a cloud-based compliance management platform tailored for utilities in the energy sector, specializing in NERC CIP standards through automated evidence collection, workflow orchestration, and continuous monitoring. It enables organizations to manage high, medium, and low impact assets under CIP-002 through CIP-014 requirements efficiently. The tool provides audit-ready reporting and risk assessment capabilities, helping teams maintain compliance amid evolving regulatory demands.
Pros
- Robust automation for evidence gathering and CIP workflows
- Real-time compliance dashboards and customizable reporting
- Strong focus on NERC CIP-specific requirements with asset classification support
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be steep for smaller utilities
- Integration with legacy SCADA systems requires custom work
- Initial setup and configuration learning curve for non-experts
Best For
Mid-to-large utilities needing automated, scalable NERC CIP compliance management without building custom solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $15,000-$50,000 annually based on asset count and users, with modular add-ons.
Forescout eyeExtend for Industrial
enterpriseEnables zero-trust visibility and control for OT assets to comply with NERC CIP-007 system security management.
Deep packet inspection and protocol decoding for 50+ OT protocols, providing unparalleled passive asset visibility without agents.
Forescout eyeExtend for Industrial is an OT security platform that delivers agentless visibility, classification, and control for industrial control systems and IoT devices in critical infrastructure environments. It supports deep packet inspection of industrial protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and OPC UA, enabling asset inventory, vulnerability management, and policy enforcement crucial for NERC CIP compliance. The solution integrates with existing IT/OT tools to automate segmentation and threat detection without disrupting operations.
Pros
- Agentless deployment ideal for sensitive OT environments
- Comprehensive protocol support for CIP-relevant industrial assets
- Strong integration with SIEM and compliance reporting tools
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring network expertise
- High licensing costs scaled by assets
- Limited native automation for smaller deployments
Best For
Large utilities and energy operators seeking passive monitoring and segmentation for NERC CIP-002 through CIP-010 requirements.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $50-150 per asset/year depending on modules and scale; enterprise quotes required.
Armis Centrix
enterpriseAgentless asset intelligence platform for discovering and securing unmanaged OT devices under NERC CIP requirements.
Agentless, passive scanning for complete, real-time inventory of hard-to-reach OT and IoT assets without disrupting critical infrastructure
Armis Centrix is a SaaS-based cyber exposure management platform that delivers agentless visibility and security for IT, OT, IoT, and unmanaged assets, enabling real-time risk prioritization and remediation. It excels in asset discovery, vulnerability assessment, and compliance reporting, making it suitable for NERC CIP requirements like CIP-002 (asset categorization), CIP-005 (perimeter security), and CIP-010 (configuration management). While strong in operational technology environments common in utilities, it requires integration with other tools for full NERC CIP audit trails.
Pros
- Agentless asset discovery provides comprehensive visibility into OT/IoT devices critical for CIP-002 compliance
- AI-driven risk scoring and prioritization streamline CIP-007 vulnerability management
- Strong support for supply chain risk assessment aligning with CIP-013 standards
Cons
- High enterprise pricing limits value for smaller utilities
- Lacks built-in automated CIP evidence collection for audits, requiring custom integrations
- Steep learning curve for configuring OT-specific policies
Best For
Mid-to-large electric utilities needing deep OT/IoT asset visibility to meet NERC CIP asset management and risk assessment requirements.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $100,000+ annually based on asset volume and deployment scale.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase cutting-edge solutions for NERC CIP compliance, with top performers delivering robust OT security, monitoring, and risk management. Leading the pack is the Dragos Platform, a standout for its tailored approach to OT cybersecurity and compliance needs, while Nozomi Networks Guardian and Claroty Platform also excel, each offering unique strengths like deep packet inspection and continuous monitoring for specific NERC CIP standards. Together, these tools highlight the evolving landscape of critical infrastructure protection.
Explore the top-ranked Dragos Platform first to fortify your NERC CIP compliance, and don’t overlook Nozomi or Claroty if your needs lean toward specialized threat detection or monitoring solutions.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison