WCAG
W3C standard for accessible web content worldwide
NERC CIP
Mandatory standards for BES cybersecurity and reliability
Quick Verdict
WCAG provides testable web accessibility guidelines globally for all organizations, while NERC CIP mandates cyber/physical protections for North American electric utilities. Companies adopt WCAG to avoid lawsuits and improve UX; CIP to ensure grid reliability and evade fines.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2
Key Features
- Four POUR principles organize accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA conformance levels
- Technology-agnostic applicable to all web technologies
- Backward-compatible additive updates preserve policy continuity
- Strict conformance mandates full pages and processes
NERC CIP
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards
Key Features
- Risk-based tiered BES Cyber System categorization
- Electronic and physical security perimeters
- 35-day patch evaluation and log review cadences
- Mandatory rapid incident reporting to E-ISAC
- Supply chain cybersecurity risk management
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is a W3C recommendation providing technology-agnostic, testable requirements for web accessibility. It targets people with disabilities via POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust, ensuring stable policy reference.
Key Components
- POUR principles underpinning 13 guidelines.
- ~90 success criteria at A, AA, AAA levels.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, failures.
- Conformance requires full pages, processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Referenced in ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA for compliance.
- Mitigates litigation, procurement risks.
- Boosts UX, conversion, market reach, SEO.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables inclusive design.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies universally to web-owning organizations.
- No certification; uses VPAT/ACR, continuous monitoring.
NERC CIP Details
What It Is
NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) comprises mandatory reliability standards for cybersecurity and physical security of the Bulk Electric System (BES). It uses a risk-based, tiered model categorizing BES Cyber Systems as high, medium, or low impact to prioritize controls.
Key Components
- Standards CIP-002 to **CIP-014asset identification, governance (CIP-003), personnel training (CIP-004), perimeters (CIP-005/006), system security (CIP-007), incident response (CIP-008), recovery (CIP-009), configuration management (CIP-010), supply chain (CIP-013).
- Dozens of requirements with recurring cycles (e.g., 35-day patches, 15-month reviews).
- Compliance via documented evidence and audits; enforced by NERC and FERC.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal obligation for BES entities; penalties up to $1M+ per violation.
- Ensures grid reliability, reduces outage risks.
- Builds resilience, lowers insurance costs, enhances reputation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, policy development, technical controls, testing.
- Applies to utilities, generators in US/Canada/Mexico.
- Annual audits, no formal certification; ongoing monitoring required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | NERC CIP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Cyber/physical protection of electric grid |
| Industry | All web publishing organizations globally | Electric utilities in North America |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines | Mandatory FERC-enforced standards |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | Annual audits, 35-day cycles, exercises |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct fines | Million-dollar fines, enforcement actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and NERC CIP
WCAG FAQ
NERC CIP FAQ
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