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IT/ OT Cybersecurity Assessments

End-to-End Cybersecurity for Your Critical Infrastructure

From penetration testing to full-spectrum security, Aerstone helps utilities reduce risk, meet compliance mandates, and keep operations running without disruption.

Use Cases

Power Plants Utilities Microgrids
Energy Distribution Natural Gas

Uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, & safeguard your utility’s industrial control systems (ICS).

Cyberattacks on utilities aren’t hypothetical, they’re happening. Aerstone combines NSA-certified penetration testing with practical, veteran expertise to harden your ICS and safeguard IT/OT. We turn compliance into real protection—and resilience into routine.

What Sets Us Apart?

Federal Credentials. Utility Experience. Unmatched Precision.

We bring two decades of frontline experience from securing U.S. federal systems into the field—backed by a cleared team of subject matter experts in operational technology (OT), industrial control systems (ICS), and energy sector compliance.

NSA-Certified Vulnerability Assessors

Aerstone is proud to be one of only five organizations verified under the NSA’s NSCAP program as vulnerability assessors, providing rapid, on-site support services to National Security Systems owners and operators.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB)

Mission-driven and federally recognized, we operate with integrity, speed, and service at the core.

Hands-on OT/ICS Specialists

Our cleared engineers understand SCADA, substation infrastructure, and pipeline operations end-to-end—architecture, segmentation, and change control—so assessments fit how you actually run.

Proven Utility Sector Performance

From enterprise programs at AltaGas to field-level assessments for distributed operators, we’ve partnered with utilities and critical infrastructure for years. With more than two decades in cybersecurity, we provide targeted, outcomes-driven protection.

Flat networks, outdated firmware, and misconfigured access controls can render even compliant utilities vulnerable.

Only real-world testing reveals the gaps paper checklists miss.

OT Cybersecurity Assessments

OT Security Assessments

Aerstone’s OT Cybersecurity Assessments help utilities and critical-infrastructure operators establish a precise baseline of control-system security before deploying new detection or response tools. They go beyond paper audits with attack-aligned reviews of network segmentation, identity and access (including vendor remote access), protocol exposure, firmware and configuration hygiene, and architecture resilience across PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, relays, and historians.

Findings are mapped to safety and operational impact, and a prioritized remediation roadmap and reference architecture are provided in alignment with TSA pipeline security directives, DHS/CISA guidance (including VADR), and NERC CIP. Every engagement is designed for live-plant realities, so testing is safe, non-disruptive, and measured in reduced exposure and faster audit closure.

    Penetration Testing for OT/IT

    Aerstone delivers targeted penetration testing designed specifically for critical infrastructure. Our penetration testing identifies true exploit paths—not just theoretical risks. Unlike bloated enterprise consultancies, we’re a leaner, more hands-on team—which means you get faster results, deeper engagement, and real-world insights you can act on immediately.

    We simulate the tactics of advanced threat actors across both IT and OT environments—without disrupting operations. From exploiting legacy OT protocols to testing cloud-connected assets, our red and purple team approaches reveal vulnerabilities that compliance checklists miss.

    Aerstone’s testing engagements don’t end with a report—we help you prioritize fixes, communicate findings to stakeholders, and stay audit-ready.

    Penetration Testing for IT/ OT Cybersecurity

    Security Architecture & Advisory

    Modernizing utility infrastructure demands more than theory—it requires deep knowledge of operational realities. Aerstone’s certified OT/SCADA compliance specialists bring decades of hands-on experience designing secure architectures for critical infrastructure environments. Whether you’re segmenting legacy networks, integrating cloud-based controls, or pursuing Zero Trust, we help you build systems that are both defensible and audit-ready.

    Our team has advised utilities across electric, gas, and pipeline sectors, ensuring that every architectural recommendation aligns with regulatory mandates, operational uptime requirements, and long-term scalability.

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    Architecture reviews for modernization or greenfield deployments

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    OT/IT convergence planning and secure segmentation strategies

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    Compliance-informed guidance grounded in DHS, TSA, and NERC CIP standards.

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    Practical blueprints that connect technical controls to business and mission objectives.

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    Aerstone doesn’t just design secure systems—we design systems that work in your environment.

    TSA-Compliant Validated Architecture Design Reviews (VADR)

    Required every two years for pipeline operators under TSA’s cybersecurity directive, a VADR is more than a paperwork exercise—it’s a structured review of your architecture’s security posture. Aerstone’s VADR services are conducted by cleared experts familiar with OT/ICS environments, delivering a comprehensive and actionable assessment aligned with DHS expectations.

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    TSA-compliant methodology, tailored for utility operators.

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    Includes architectural diagrams, policy reviews, and vulnerability analysis.

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    Rapid delivery with ongoing support to implement recommendations.

    Validated Architecture Design Reviews (VADR)

    Post-Assessment Action & Virtual CISO Support

    Cybersecurity doesn’t end with an assessment—it’s an ongoing journey. Aerstone stays engaged as a trusted partner to help utilities take action, maintain momentum, and adapt to evolving threats. Our OEM-agnostic, vendor-neutral approach ensures you’re not locked into any one toolset—we deliver guidance that fits your environment, not someone else’s roadmap.

    We support everything from hands-on remediation to managed detection for ICS/SCADA networks, and offer continuous vulnerability monitoring to keep your defenses sharp between audits. With deep understanding of TSA, NERC CIP, and DHS compliance frameworks, our team helps ensure your improvements are technically sound and regulator-ready.

    For utilities that need long-term guidance without adding headcount, our Virtual CISO service provides experienced leadership—strategic, scalable, and always aligned with your mission.

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    Remediation coordination across multi-vendor environments.

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    Continuous vulnerability monitoring and ICS threat detection

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    Regulatory-aligned strategy with architecture and tooling compatibility.

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    Strategic roadmapping for multi-year security planning.

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    On-demand expertise for board briefings, incident response, and audits.

    From electric cooperatives and regional pipeline operators to enterprise-scale utilities, our lean, expert-led approach delivers consistent results without bureaucracy.

    The Aerstone Difference

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    Faster Turnaround

    Streamlined processes. Less red tape. Rapid results.

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    Vendor-Neutral Approach

    We don’t sell tools. We sell clarity.

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    Tactical + Strategic Depth

    From testing to board-level advisory, we scale with you.
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    OEM-Agnostic Testing

    We assess the whole environment, not just one stack.

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    Post-Engagement Support

    Reports don’t fix problems—our team helps you act.

    Let’s Make Security Your Strongest Asset.

    Our U.S.-based, veteran-owned team is ready to help you strengthen defenses, streamline compliance, and stay ahead of threats.

    Our Approach

    Unveiling Vulnerabilities, Ensuring Security with Dependable Security Assessments

    1. Initial Consultation

    We kick off our engagement by collaborating closely with your team. Understanding your organization’s objectives, systems, and potential threat landscape enables us to create a customized penetration testing plan.

    2. Threat Modeling

    Our experts simulate real-world attack scenarios to identify potential vulnerabilities and weak points in your critical infrastructure. This comprehensive analysis allows us to prioritize our testing efforts effectively.

    3. Penetration Testing

    Leveraging the latest tools and techniques, our skilled pentesters execute controlled attacks on your systems, applications, and networks. We employ a combination of automated scanning and manual testing to uncover vulnerabilities that might elude traditional security measures.

    4. Vulnerability Analysis

    Each identified vulnerability is thoroughly analyzed in terms of its potential impact and likelihood of exploitation. This step helps you understand the risks associated with each vulnerability and make informed decisions about mitigation.

    5. Comprehensive Reporting

    Our detailed reports provide a clear overview of the vulnerabilities discovered, their potential impact, and actionable recommendations for mitigation. These reports serve as a roadmap to enhance your security posture.

    6. Post-Testing Support

    Our commitment doesn’t end with the report. We work closely with your team to ensure you fully understand the findings, and guide you through the mitigation process. We provide recommendations and step-by-step exploit instructions to ensure all vulnerabilities are addressed and technical gaps are closed.

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    “Partnering with Aerstone for penetration testing services was a game-changer for our organization.

    Their team of experts not only identified vulnerabilities we had never even considered, but also provided clear and actionable guidance on how to address them. Their professionalism, depth of knowledge, and commitment to our security were evident throughout the process. Thanks to Aerstone, we now have a much stronger security posture and a newfound sense of confidence in our digital defenses. I highly recommend their services to any organization serious about safeguarding their assets.”

    Uncover your system vulnerabilities today

    We take pride in looking where others don’t, and our engagements often uncover vulnerabilities not found in previous tests. Equip your organization with the best defense.

    Our Cybersecurity Knowledge Hub

    Our mission is to empower businesses and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. We take great pride in leveraging our expertise and years of experience to share valuable insights and help you succeed.

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