Defense strategy

As the co-op’s director of information services, Andy Hill leads a team that works behind the scenes battling villains known as cybercriminals – those who use computers and the internet to disrupt electric grid reliability and harm the personal security of customer-owners.

Cyber incidents pose a serious threat to Walton EMC’s operations, Hill said, explaining why cybersecurity is a priority in the co-op’s commitment to safety.

“As our technology becomes smarter, faster and more integrated, cybercriminals are keeping pace and evolving their tactics to exploit every vulnerability,” he said. “My job is to ensure Walton EMC is always one step ahead of the bad guys.”

A combination of advanced tools, best practices and human intervention are used to protect co-op systems that support the electric grid, manage the flow of electricity and respond to outages. Field equipment like smart meters and automated switches also require protection to ensure accurate billing and prevent service misuse. Communication networks that support daily operations and emergency response are equally important.

“A successful cyberattack could disrupt power distribution, damage infrastructure and compromise billing or customer service systems – resulting in outages, costly repairs and potentially higher rates,” Hill said. “Additionally, a breach could expose members’ personal data and payment information, putting them at risk for identity theft, fraud and phishing scams.”

Members’ data is safeguarded with multiple layers of protection to filter and block harmful emails and offer 24/7 detection and real-time response services. Walton EMC adheres to strong corporate security policies based on standards that provide a proven framework for protecting sensitive information, Hill added.

Co-op employees regularly participate in training to stay sharp on protection practices. “We’re continuously reviewing and updating our safety measures to stay ahead of new threats,” Hill said. But cybersecurity doesn’t end with employee efforts. “Every Walton EMC customer-owner plays a role by staying alert, using strong passwords and protecting their account information to help safeguard both the cooperative and themselves,” Hill said.

During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Hill urges Walton EMC customer-owners to take proactive steps to protect against online threats.

STAY SAFE ONLINE

• Use strong, unique passwords. Create passwords that are long, complex and different for every account. Use a password manager to securely keep track of all your passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across sites.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Opt in for MFA wherever possible, especially for financial, email and social media accounts.
• Be cautious. Always think before clicking. Don’t open emails, click unfamiliar links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Update regularly. Ensure device operating systems, apps, antivirus and other software are kept up to date.
• Limit personal information sharing. Be mindful of what you post on social media. Details like your birthdate, location or travel plans can be used by cybercriminals. Always use privacy settings to control who can see your information. Avoid storing sensitive personal or financial data on unsecured devices or cloud platforms.