Systems and management procedures secure communication sessions with remote devices

According to various embodiments, a session manager generates, stores and regularly updates the logon credentials of each of a plurality of IEDs connected. An operator, possibly through an access device, can provide unique credentials to start session manager session. The session manager can determine the authorization level of the operator based on the logon credentials operator, which define how FDI can contact the operator. According to various embodiments, the session manager does not provide a communication session between operator and target FDI. Instead, the session manager maintains a first communication session with the operator and initiates a second communication session with the FDI target. Therefore, the session manager can forward transmitted by the operator to target IED commands. Depending on the authorization level of the operator, a filter can restrict session which can communicate between an operator and an IED.