News > Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity Awareness

September 26, 2023

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 your identity, banking and health records and other sensitive information from digital attacks and theft.

KEEPING THE ELECTRIC GRID AND YOUR DATA SECURE
Taking necessary steps to protect member and security data used at our Cooperative is a year-round practice at Stearns Electric Association. Part of offering excellent service is keeping that service secure and reliable.

For Stearns Electric Association, reliability means repairing wear-and-tear, upgrading our equipment to withstand storms and severe weather, and using technology and best practices to keep our system secure from cybersecurity issues. We work daily to protect your personal data and information from cybersecurity breaches.

We also work together with co-ops across the country to develop new technologies and infrastructure, learn from each other and keep the grid’s network secure. While we can’t stop a storm or predict every disruption, as a co-op, we do everything we can to keep the lights on and our members protected. Because if we all do our part, our interconnected world will be safer and more secure for everyone.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month coming up in October, here are four tips from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, that is responsible for strengthening cybersecurity and infrastructure protection to keep you safe online:

1. Implement multi-factor authentication (also known as two-step verification) on your accounts. The additional layer of protection makes it much harder for criminals to access your information.
2. Update your software. This is one of the easiest ways to protect your personal data. When downloading a software update, make sure it’s coming straight from the company that created it. Beware of fake pop-ups that request urgent downloads. Better yet, turn on automatic updates.
3. Think before you click. Most successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email. Don’t take the bait. Avoid emails (or texts) that look too good to be true, oddly urgent, poorly crafted or include unusual requests.
4. Create strong passwords. Use long, unique and complex words or phrases. Consider using a password manager to save time, work across all devices, protect your identity and notify you of potential phishing websites.

Being cyber smart is the best way to protect yourself and others from cyber-attacks. No single tip is foolproof but when used together, they can make a real difference for taking control of your online presence. Following these tips is easy and free.

BEWARE OF PHONE SCAMS
Scams can also happen over the phone. Please know that Stearns Electric will always ask you to verify your account with specific personal information such as an account number, name, address, etc. when we call you. We will also never call and allow you only a few minutes to pay your utility bill prior to being disconnected. Please stop and think before releasing personal banking information over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call us back at (800) 962-0655 to verify that a call or request is legitimate.