An intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory having instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations that include receiving an indication to establish a media access control security (MACsec) communication link in accordance with a confidential mode configured to block access to communication traffic associated with the MACsec communication link, indicating that the MACsec communication link is to be established in accordance with the confidential mode, receiving establishment of the MACsec communication link in accordance with the confidential mode, and communicating data via the MACsec communication link.