Cooperative Living January/February 2024 - 19

CUTTING EDGE
Beefi ng Up
Cybersecurity
Cooperatives play an
important role in safeguarding
the grid
by Jennah Denney, Contributing Writer
E
lectric cooperatives recognize the
evolving cyberthreat landscape
that poses disruptions to the
nation's electric grid. As responsible
providers of power to consumermembers,
co-ops are taking proactive
measures to secure the grid.
Cyberthreats, ranging from phishing
to compromised passwords, have the
potential to disrupt power reliability.
Th at's why electric co-ops are working
to stay one step ahead by continually
assessing vulnerabilities, monitoring
emerging threats and implementing
cybersecurity defense measures. By
securing the grid against cyberthreats,
co-ops ensure a more reliable power
supply, reducing the risk of disruptions.
Electric co-ops are implementing
multiple cybersecurity strategies to
utilize a defense-in-depth approach,
emphasizing concern for local
communities and the importance of
reliability for the members they serve.
Electric co-ops are deploying
Electric co-ops understand the importance of educating
all employees on the latest cybersecurity issues.
advanced monitoring and protection
systems that continuously analyze
network traffi c, detect suspicious
activity, and alert security personnel
to potential problems. Additionally,
co-ops regularly practice security audits
to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks,
and implement necessary updates
and patches to safeguard critical
infrastructure.
Recognizing that cybersecurity is
a team eff ort, electric co-ops regularly
engage with other co-ops, industry
organizations, government agencies
and cybersecurity experts to share best
practices, develop lessons learned and
stay up to date on the latest threats.
Th is kind of collaboration enables
them to develop robust cybersecurity
measures. Electric co-ops also participate
in mutual-aid eff orts focused on
cybersecurity events, such as the Cyber
Mutual Assistance Program. By working
together, they are stronger and better
prepared.
Electric co-ops are committed to
keeping your information secure
and your lights on.
co-opliving.com
Electric co-ops also understand the
importance of educating all employees
on the latest cybersecurity issues, which
is why they provide regular trainings to
inform co-op staff on best practices and
the signifi cance of adhering to security
protocols. By cultivating an internal
culture of cybersecurity awareness, they
are improving cyber knowledge and
skills for co-op employees.
In addition to internal measures,
co-ops are establishing dedicated
cybersecurity points of contact so that
members can easily identify individuals
to discuss any cyber-related concerns.
Co-op members are regularly
targeted by energy scammers, whether
through false claims or messages sent
as emails, or phone scams from people
falsely claiming to represent the
co-op. By identifying and reporting
these incidents, you can help play
an important role in keeping co-op
communities safe from cyberthreats
and scams.
Electric co-ops remain committed
to providing reliable power to the
members they serve. Th eir top priority
is to keep your information secure and
your lights on.
Th ey will continue working hard to
strengthen the grid, keep data safe, and
ensure the long-term well-being of local
communities. In the face of increasing
cyberthreats, these proactive measures
provide a foundation for a robust and
secure electric grid.
*
Jennah Denney writes on consumer and
cooperative aff airs for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
January-February 2024 * Cooperative Living * 19
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Cooperative Living January/February 2024

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