Recently the Associated Press’s Twitter account was hacked, spreading word that there were explosions at the White House. Seems minor – It is just Twitter after all, right? Wall Street responded with stocks tumbling. The power of technology and information sharing is much more far-reaching and impactful than we truly comprehend.

A few times a week, you hear of a large corporation dealing with a cyber attack. Whether a stolen laptop, a virus or a full ambush of the entire organization, the cost of these attacks can easily grow into the millions, depending on the scope and size of the company. You may want to assume that your utility is safe because of scale. The thieves will hit the big ones first before they focus on you. This approach is definitely untrue. It isn’t a matter of “if” anymore. It is a matter of “when”. And in order to secure and protect your sensitive information, you will need a sound information security program.

Recently a number of NISC Members realized the potential impact these cyber crimes can have and turned to NISC for information security guidance. NISC can assist in the design, implementation and validation of your information security program. NISC’s information security services include:

• Information Security Program Evaluation and Guidance – Assist your company with development of an information security program or evaluate your existing program.
• Information Security Assessment Service – Assist with identifying security risks and understanding the impact they may have on your telecom/utility.
• Information Security Training – Provide in-depth education and training that will help your staff increase awareness of the threats out there and how to prevent an attack.

“The need to have a solid information security plan in place is imperative. The urgency is being felt now more than ever across our cooperative family as the realization of the true effects of a security breach is coming to light. There have been attacks on Members and numbers will only increase,” said Sean Wiese, NISC Information Security Officer. “When truly looking at the effects of an attack, the smaller companies are the ones who should be most cautious and most prepared. We all operate on much smaller budgets than large corporations, so a successful attack could truly lock up operations and cause tremendous damage to the bottom line that a larger organization can absorb. The attackers take a ‘no holds barred’ approach and it is time they are met with an information security plan of the same approach.”

To learn more about securing your networks and applications, contact Sean at sean.wiese@nisc.coop or call 1.866.999.6472.