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CASE STUDY
Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience and Security for an Electric Utility
ABOUT THE CUSTOMER
A U.S. electric utility serving nearly 200,000 residential and commercial members launched a board-sponsored initiative to assess and strengthen the resilience, security, and reliability of its technology environment. With a major audit approaching, the organization required a comprehensive review of its infrastructure, operational practices, and personnel readiness to ensure compliance and improve long-term stability.
The utility engaged BTA to conduct a full Infrastructure Assessment covering network, data center, campus, wireless, security, segmentation, backup and recovery, and operational processes. The engagement also included an evaluation of personnel competencies, alignment with best practices, and skills gaps. The objective was to identify risks, document improvement areas, and establish a clear roadmap for modernization and resiliency.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
The organization needed a structured assessment to address both immediate audit requirements and broader operational needs. The audit timeline required timely findings and clear guidance on remediation priorities:
- Assess network, data center, wireless, campus, and security infrastructure
- Evaluate firewall posture and network segmentation
- Review backup, recovery, and disaster readiness
- Examine operational processes and maturity
- Evaluate personnel competencies and alignment to best practices
- Identify vulnerabilities affecting availability or security
- Detect inconsistencies in operational processes
- Develop a defensible, board-level plan for investment in people and technology
SOLUTION
BTA conducted the assessment using its S.I.M.P.L.E. methodology, applying a consistent and transparent approach throughout the engagement.
Start
BTA aligned with the Board of Directors and leadership teams to confirm objectives focused on security, resiliency, and audit readiness.
Immerse
Using automation tools and manual inspection, BTA collected data on physical configurations, software versions, existing processes, and overall operational practices.
Map
Findings were reviewed to identify vulnerabilities, risks, process gaps, and areas where personnel skills or alignment differed from best practices.
Prove
BTA presented clear evidence of issues that could affect system availability, security posture, or operational consistency, supporting the customer in understanding what needed to be addressed for the audit.
Launch
Recommendations were delivered across hardware standards, software updates, firewall policy adjustments, network segmentation, and process improvements.
Evolve
The assessment provided defined criteria to support future investments in personnel and infrastructure, giving leadership a clear direction for ongoing modernization.
BUSINESS OUTCOMES
Standardized Infrastructure Configuration
Recommendations for hardware configurations and software updates enabled the utility to adopt consistent configuration standards.
Improved Security and Segmentation
Updated firewall policies and segmentation guidance strengthened the protection of critical business systems.
Stronger Operational Processes
A structured change process was introduced to reduce non-standard modifications and improve operational consistency.
Audit Success
With gaps identified and remediation steps defined, the organization met audit requirements.
Reduction in Service Disruptions
Improved configuration standards and a stronger security posture led to fewer operational interruptions.
Faster Time to Resolution
Clearer processes, better role alignment, and improved visibility supported quicker response and recovery during incidents.
Board-Level Readiness for Future Investments
Leadership received a clear plan to guide future investments in people, processes, and infrastructure.