In today’s world, most of us don’t leave the front door unlocked. We protect our homes, loved ones and valuables from intruders with locks, alarms and other security measures. Cybersecurity is no different. It’s the practice of protecting other valuables, such as identity, banking and health records, and other sensitive information, from digital attacks and theft.
The energy sector continues to be a target of cyber attacks, and we will continue to face threats that target our employees, our supply chains and partners. It is critical we stay vigilant, because our infrastructure is both critical and relied upon by others. We want our members – and the world – to know we take our role in managing cybersecurity threats to our members’ data and our operations seriously.
“We participate in monthly training to stay vigilant on cybersecurity threats and tips to keep the cooperative safe and secure,” says Deb Haugen, member services representative II. “As a member of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric, there are steps you can take to help keep your information and ours safe as well.”
Here are some simple things you can do to protect from cybersecurity threats.
• Make sure all your computer software is updated with the latest version. Keeping software, including your browser, up to date ensures crucial software updates take place.
• Create a strong password and keep it private. It can take five days to crack a nine-character password, but more than two centuries to crack a password consisting of 12 characters or more!
• Treat all Wi-Fi networks as a potential security risk. Never check financial or other sensitive accounts when using public Wi-Fi at a store, local coffeeshop or when you’re on the road.
• Be on the lookout for suspicious emails, phone calls and other messages. Scammers will use various avenues to gain access to co-op and member information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something seems off, trust your instinct and convey your concerns to a manager or member of the security team.
• Think before you click! Don’t click links or attached files in emails or text messages from senders you don’t know. Even if you do know the sender, hover over the link before you click, as they may have been hacked or someone could be spoofing them!
While we can’t stop a storm or predict every disruption, we do everything we can to keep the lights on and our members protected.
