Ampyx Cyber Blog
The Intersection of Regulation & Resilience
NERC Computational Load Standards: FERC Sets December 2026 Deadlines
FERC did not accelerate NERC's timeline, it made the calendar a directive and moved registration onto the critical path. The order creates the computational load entity, sets the December 31 and March 1 deadlines, and leaves the AI Reliability Boundary, the line between what the grid must command and what it leaves to private contract, for Phase II to draw. What is settled, what is not, and what to do in the next ninety days.
Computational Load and the Convergence Problem: What NERC's May 2026 Actions Mean for Critical Infrastructure
Documented load losses approaching one thousand megawatts in seconds. A Level 3 Essential Action Alert. A final Reliability Guideline. Proposed registration of a new Computational Load Entity. NERC's May 2026 actions mark a structural shift in how data centers, hyperscale AI training, and cryptocurrency mining are treated under the North American grid reliability framework.
Claude Mythos and the OT Threat Horizon: What Utility Operators Need to Know Now
Anthropic's Claude Mythos can autonomously discover zero-day vulnerabilities across every major OS and browser, and the same codebases run in OT/SCADA environments. This post breaks down why Mythos-class AI exploitation tools directly implicate utility operators, which NERC CIP obligations are already in play, and what actions defenders should take before the patch window closes.
National Cyber Strategy: What It Means for Critical Infrastructure
The Trump administration released its long-awaited National Cyber Strategy. Six pages, six pillars, and a clear signal that federal cyber policy is shifting toward offensive posture and regulatory streamlining. For critical infrastructure operators, the document raises more questions than it answers. Here is what it says, what it doesn't, and what you should do about it.
Humans, Engineering Shifts, Required Investment, and Commitment for Operational Security
New secure connectivity guidance describes a greenfield target architecture, but most OT environments are brownfield reality. True resilience isn't achieved through technology alone. Human expertise, manual operating capability, physical engineering controls, and sustained investment are equally critical. Without these foundations, digital security layers risk becoming expensive new failure modes.
Cybersecurity Signals in the 2025 National Security Strategy
The 2025 National Security Strategy weaves cybersecurity into every major national priority, from resilient infrastructure and protected supply chains to technology leadership and secure global partnerships. This overview highlights the core cyber related themes and what they signal for critical infrastructure and industry.
From Firefighting to Foresight: Building CIP Programs for the Future Power Grid
NERC calls grid reliability a “five-alarm fire.” With data centers, AI, and extreme weather straining capacity, CIP programs must evolve from reactive compliance to proactive resilience. This post outlines how utilities can strengthen controls, close documentation gaps, and build CIP programs ready for the future grid.
Automation and AI Risks in Long Duration Energy Storage Systems (LDES): Risk Mitigation and Regulatory Responsibilities
As Long Duration Energy Storage Systems (LDES) become essential to the future of grid resiliency and renewable integration, the infusion of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) into these technologies presents a range of strategic risks. These include cybersecurity vulnerabilities, operational uncertainties, automation-induced failures, and regulatory gaps. This white paper outlines the major categories of risk and identifies key government, regulatory, and standards bodies responsible for managing and mitigating these challenges.
Analysis of the June 6th, 2025 Executive Order on Cybersecurity
On June 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Executive Order (EO) titled “Sustaining Select Efforts to Strengthen the Nation’s Cybersecurity and Amending Executive Orders 13694 and 14144.” This directive serves as a recalibration of federal cybersecurity strategy, signaling a shift away from prescriptive mandates toward more targeted, agency-specific authority and risk-informed investment in critical initiatives. It amends prior EOs while preserving core elements of federal cybersecurity policy.
Exploring the Evolving Landscape of ICS/OT Cybersecurity at RSAC 2024
The RSA Conference 2024 spotlighted the critical importance of ICS/OT cybersecurity, reflecting a significant increase in attention compared to previous years. Ampyx Cyber CEO, Patrick Miller noted the strong presence of AI-driven security tools on the vendor floor and highlighted the conference's rich agenda featuring discussions on the convergence of IT and OT. As digital transformation continues, the industry's commitment to enhancing ICS/OT cybersecurity is more evident than ever.
Embracing AI for the Electric Grid: Insights from NERC
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the electric sector, the integration of cutting-edge technologies is not just an option; it's a necessity. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance grid reliability, security, and efficiency. Recognizing this potential, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has provided insightful comments on how AI can be harnessed to address the challenges and opportunities within the electric grid.