Is your utility prepared for the next cyber threat?

Apply for APPA’s Cybersecurity Accelerator Program to strengthen existing cybersecurity efforts

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and for public power utilities, protecting your information and infrastructure has never been more important.

Fortunately, utilities do not have to tackle those challenges alone.

The American Public Power Association recently opened applications for its Cybersecurity Accelerator Program (CAP), a national initiative designed to help public power utilities assess and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

The program provides utilities with a structured framework to evaluate cybersecurity practices related to internal controls, governance, training, incident response, and cyber risk management. Utilities that demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices can earn gold, platinum, or diamond-level recognition through the program.

The CAP program is intended to help utilities of all sizes benchmark their cybersecurity maturity while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Building on existing cybersecurity efforts

For Heartland customers, CAP represents an opportunity to build upon cybersecurity efforts already underway.

In South Dakota, Project Boundary Fence provides free cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scans for local governments.

The program has helped identify common risks such as weak passwords, outdated device configurations, and vulnerabilities tied to email systems — which experts estimate account for nearly 90% of cyber risk exposure.

For customers outside South Dakota, Heartland also offers free cybersecurity assessments designed to help communities identify vulnerabilities, improve cyber hygiene, and strengthen overall resiliency.

Utilities that have already participated in assessments or training programs may find the APPA Cybersecurity Accelerator Program to be a natural next step in continuing to mature their cybersecurity practices.

Public power utilities are increasingly targeted by cyber threats because of the critical services they provide. While no organization can eliminate risk entirely, assessments, training, and continuous improvement can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and improve preparedness.

How to apply

The CAP assessment is intended to not only recognize utilities who have mature cyber programs, but to demonstrate what such a program might look like to utilities who are less advanced. CAP designation is only one milestone on a journey of cyber program maturity that will continue to evolve in line with advancements in cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Utilities must first complete a registration form to be granted access to the online application. The application guide includes the assessment questions and supporting information.

CAP is currently funded through APPA’s Cyber Pathways program, under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. There is no application fee while CAP is part of the Cyber Pathways program.

Utilities must submit the application, including program checklists, supplemental information and/or documentation as necessary, by June 30.