The ways we monitor, manage, and protect data are changing. The technology you use to watch over your remote sites now sits at the crossroads of two increasing concerns: cybersecurity and data privacy.

And the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) just made a significant move to address that.

In April 2025, NIST released a draft update to the NIST Privacy Framework (PFW). That's a document that was originally created to help organizations manage privacy risk in the digital age. While this update might seem small on the surface, it's actually a big opportunity for teams managing critical infrastructure.

This is your chance to bring your network monitoring in line with modern privacy expectations - and set yourself up for long-term success.

Data Privacy Risks Are Embedded in Your Infrastructure

If you're managing a network of remote sites, you're probably already thinking about security concerns like firewall settings, encrypted SNMP, VPN access, and so on.

But here's what you may not realize:

You are also handling sensitive data that presents real privacy risks. And it's not just about customer databases or financial records.

A few examples of privacy risk in monitoring environments include:

• Access logs from your RTUs that include usernames or IP addresses
• Sensor data that reflects human activity (building occupancy, badge scans)
• AI-driven systems that collect behavior-based alarms or predictive maintenance data
• Temperature readings that could be tied to personnel presence
• Alarms and event logs emailed or texted to a tech's personal device

You might not call that "personal data" - but under modern frameworks, including GDPR, CCPA, and NIST's own guidance, any data that could be linked to an individual may qualify.

The NIST Privacy Framework Update Matters

The original NIST Privacy Framework launched in 2020 as a voluntary tool to help organizations "engineer in" privacy protections from the start. Now, five years later, PFW 1.1 has arrived. It brings a more modern approach.

Most importantly, the update was designed to sync with NIST's Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (CSF 2.0) - which got its own refresh in 2024. The two frameworks now share a common structure and terminology. This makes it easier than ever to manage both cybersecurity and privacy risk together.

What's New in PFW 1.1?

Let's break down the key changes that affect you:

1. Aligned Core Structures With CSF 2.0

The "Core" structure is where NIST outlines the specific functions, categories, and subcategories of effective risk management. With this update, PFW 1.1 uses the same top-level structure as CSF 2.0:
Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.

This alignment means you no longer have to build separate, parallel risk programs. You can use one shared foundation for privacy and cybersecurity, consolidating your work.

2. More Emphasis on "Govern" and "Protect"

The Govern and Protect functions get new attention in this version. That includes how you define privacy roles, implement protection, and align with policies or regulations.

If you're already managing cybersecurity policies, this is a good time to add in privacy-specific processes (like access restrictions, logging policies, and AI risk evaluations).

3. A New Section on AI and Privacy Risk

This is a big one. Section 1.2.2 of the draft discusses how AI systems interact with privacy - and how you can manage AI privacy risks using PFW 1.1.

This matters because more people are deploying AI-powered tools: intelligent HVAC control, predictive failure alerts, automated maintenance dispatching, and more. Since many of these systems depend on monitoring human behavior, that makes privacy a concern.

4. Online Use Guidelines

NIST has moved its usage section to the web, giving you access to interactive FAQs and tutorials. This is helpful, but it also means the bar is now higher. This change suggests that NIST now expects you to stay current with updates and improvements to the framework.

Older Monitoring Systems Are Falling Behind

The challenge is that most network monitoring setups weren't built with privacy in mind. They were designed to detect outages, track SNMP traps, and send alerts to a central server.

But now, there are three major weaknesses in legacy monitoring approaches:

1. Lack of Encryption and Role-Based Access

Older monitoring protocols like SNMPv1 or Telnet send data in plaintext. That leaves you open to interception. You also might lack fine-grained user control (ex. anyone with access sees everything).

Either (or both!) of these create a serious privacy liability.

2. Integrated Monitoring That's Not Truly Secure

Some gear (like microwave radios, routers, or PBXs) comes with built-in alarm reporting features. These might sound convenient, but they're typically:

• Underpowered
• Poorly documented
• Hard to integrate
• Not up to privacy standards

Many times, integrated monitoring functions can't be configured to store logs securely or limit access by user role.

3. No Support for Privacy-Aware AI/Automation

Modern systems are starting to use AI and automation to reduce downtime, streamline maintenance, and monitor patterns. Systems with "built-in monitoring" aren't typically at the cutting edge of this sort of tech.

Get Unified Cybersecurity and Privacy Monitoring

Think about your working reality if all of the following were true:

• Your entire remote network is monitored with encrypted protocols
• Each user gets exactly the access they need (and nothing more than that)
• You've got full logs of every login, config change, and alarm view
• Your SNMP traffic is protected with SNMPv3 encryption
• AI-based alarms (like HVAC overuse) are controlled with audit trails and access policies
• You can demonstrate compliance with both NIST CSF and PFW - from a single dashboard

This is the future that NIST is pointing toward - and it's one you can start building today with the right equipment.

DPS Telecom Gear Can Help You With Privacy Framework 1.1

At DPS Telecom, we've been creating remote monitoring gear for over 35 years. Our focus has been on data security, reliability, and transparency.

As privacy becomes more important than ever, our gear is uniquely positioned to help you meet the goals of PFW 1.1.

SNMPv3 Encryption Built-In

All modern DPS RTUs support SNMPv3, the version that encrypts your alarm traffic. This is critical if any alarm payloads include sensitive data (like usernames, personnel activity, or remote access info).

Role-Based User Access and Password Policies

NetGuardian RTUs and T/Mon master stations allow you to define individual users with granular permissions. This helps you meet the "Protect" function of the PFW, making sure that only authorized people can see sensitive data.

Full Logging and Audit Trails

You can log every system interaction including alarm acknowledgments, user logins, config changes, and more. This supports the Detect and Respond functions of both CSF and PFW.

Secure Firmware and Config Access

Using the HTTPS web interfaces and secure authentication, your technicians can safely manage remote gear without opening privacy vulnerabilities.

Real-World Example: Smart HVAC Control Without Compromising Privacy

Let's take a practical example: managing HVAC units at remote sites.

Using the G6 HVAC Controller from DPS, you can:

• Rotate HVAC units with lead-lag logic
• Control units based on smart temperature thresholds
• Log every HVAC cycle and config change
• Send alerts to your T/Mon master station or SNMP manager
• Control everything from a web interface or front-panel LCD

Now imagine this data includes usage logs and tech overrides. If someone wants to know "who turned the cooling up during last Friday's visit?" - you've got it. You've also restricted access to only your HVAC team.

That's privacy and operational efficiency in one package. And it's exactly what PFW 1.1 encourages you to do.

How to Move Toward Compliance - And Get Better Monitoring in the Process

Whether you're regulated or not, adopting NIST frameworks is a smart move. They offer a clear roadmap to reduce risk and modernize your systems.

Here's what you can do next:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Monitoring Infrastructure

• Are your RTUs still using SNMPv1/v2c?
• Do you have role-based user access?
• Can you demonstrate privacy protections in your logging?
• Do you encrypt remote traffic?

Step 2: Download the NIST Privacy Framework 1.1 Draft

You can read the full draft on NIST's website. It's free and packed with practical guidance.

Step 3: Talk to a DPS Expert About Modernizing Your Gear

We'll help you identify areas where your gear might be lagging and show you how to upgrade for both privacy and performance.

You don't need to rebuild your infrastructure, but you do need a plan. And we can help you build one.

Let's Get You Compliant and Ready for the Future

At DPS Telecom, we live and breathe secure monitoring. We design, manufacture, and support our gear from our California HQ - and we've worked with everyone from national telcos to federal agencies.

If you're thinking about privacy, cybersecurity, and uptime, we're ready to help you.

Call me at 559-454-1600
Or email: sales@dpstele.com