Press Release

PUC Recognizes 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Published on 10/10/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

National Efforts Highlight Simple Steps Everyone Can Take to Protect Themselves Online; PUC Continues to Promote Cybersecurity Best Practices for Utilities

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today joined national and state partners in recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a collaborative effort aimed at increasing awareness and resilience against growing cyberthreats.

“Cybersecurity touches every aspect of our daily lives, from personal devices to the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses. This year’s theme, ‘Secure Our World,’ emphasizes practical steps we can all take to protect ourselves and those around us,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank.

The 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign encourages individuals and businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses by focusing on four key actions:

• Use a Password Manager: Secure your accounts by creating long, random, and unique passwords, and simplify management with password managers.
  
  
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of protection with MFA makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts.
  
  
• Recognize and Report Phishing: Stay vigilant against unsolicited emails or messages asking for sensitive information and report phishing attempts.
  
  
• Install Software Updates: Regularly update your software and devices to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.
  
  

Protecting Utilities from Cyber Attacks

Cyber-attacks targeting critical industries and institutions, including utility systems, remain a serious and growing concern. As the threat landscape evolves, Pennsylvania’s utility community is continuously working to strengthen safeguards against these dangers.

The PUC remains vigilant in its efforts to collaborate with utilities, industry experts, and government partners to enhance protections for the infrastructure that powers our everyday lives. This commitment includes ongoing assessments of cybersecurity protocols, regular information-sharing, and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

As part of its efforts to support the utility sector, the PUC continues to promote cybersecurity best practices for utilities, including resources to help reinforce security for small and mid-size utilities. Additionally, the PUC continues to engage with utility commissions nationwide to share knowledge and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity in conjunction with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global effort led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. For more information about how to stay safe online and participate in the campaign, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month and staysafeonline.org.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov