Which method is aimed at protecting information as outlined in the CIP standards?

The method focused on protecting information as outlined in the CIP standards involves documented information protection programs. These programs are designed to establish, implement, and maintain effective practices and policies that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical infrastructure information. They serve to manage risks associated with sensitive information and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Documented information protection programs typically outline the necessary controls and procedures that organizations should adopt to safeguard their data. This goes beyond mere technical measures, involving policies regarding access controls, data classification, incident response, and employee training—ensuring a holistic approach to managing information security.

While application profiling, regular software updates, and physical access control lists also contribute to the overall security posture of an organization, they do not specifically focus on the comprehensive protection of information as mandated by the CIP standards. Application profiling centers on understanding the behavior of applications, software updates pertain to mitigating vulnerabilities in software, and physical access controls regulate who can enter specific physical spaces. However, these are part of the broader security framework rather than solely aimed at documenting and protecting information itself.