Press Release

PUC Recognizes National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Published on 10/17/2013

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded Pennsylvania consumers and utilities to take precautions when it comes to cyber threats and protecting consumer and private information. Governor Tom Corbett issued a proclamation encouraging all citizens, and levels of government, to take action against cyber attacks in our homes, workplaces, schools and businesses.

“The PUC has created an open dialogue with regulated and non-regulated entities to break down silos and to provide information about effective best practices to defend against escalating cyber threats.  We’re all interconnected on this issue recognizing that there are over 500 million devices connected to the internet in the United States.  We all have a need to protect our critical infrastructure and personal devices,” said Commissioner Pamela Witmer in a statement at today’s Public Meeting.   

“The reason why we want to make sure people are aware, especially in October, as we head into the holiday season, is to ensure that we have good practices in place to protect our private information, and also to make sure that our regulated utilities are protecting their own internal systems, as well as their customer data from possible breeches of cybersecurity,” said Commissioner Witmer in a video news release. 

Since 2006, the Commission’s regulations have required the PUC to conduct audits of regulated utilities’ emergency preparedness plans, including physical security, emergency response, business continuity and cybersecurity.  “In this new age of cyber threats, the Commission recognizes the crucial need for partnerships among all providers of utility services to spread awareness and security in order to protect the Commonwealth’s critical infrastructure. We are committed to train Commission staff as well on all aspects of cybersecurity so that we fully understand the threats to utility assets as well as our own personal devices.” Commissioner Witmer stressed.   

The Commission also has been proactively working with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, as well as the state utility commissions of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Pennsylvania hosted the first multi-state cybersecurity meeting in March 2013 and the group has met quarterly over the last six months.   

.On the national level, many federal initiatives including legislation and an Executive Order by the President are addressing the protection of utility infrastructure.  Other agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commisison and the Federal Communications Commission, have proactively addressed cyber threats and defenses as well.  This year marks the 10^th anniversary of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

# # #

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov