Heartland Energy marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 4, 2022

Company signs on as 2022 Champion to help grow cybersecurity success

Technology is intertwined in our daily lives. In the work environment, almost everything is done on computers with a direct line to the internet. We use technology in our personal lives to pay bills, make appointments, and interact with friends.

With more rampant use of technology comes a greater need to protect ourselves and our assets from cyber criminals. 

While the evolution of technology is moving at the speed of sound, cybercriminals are working just as hard to find ways to compromise technology and disrupt personal and business life.

Heartland Energy has signed on as a 2022 Champion for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October, Heartland will highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity in daily lives and especially in the electric utility industry.

“Everyone must be vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity, and public power utilities are no exception,” said Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland. “Cyber criminals are creative in how they access important information that can be devastating to a utility if placed in the wrong hands.”

Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to highlight some of today’s emerging challenges and provide straightforward actionable guidance. There are all kinds of ways to keep data protected, and this year’s focus is on four key areas and best practices:

  1. Multi-factor authentication
  2. Strong passwords and a password manager
  3. Regular software updates
  4. Phishing recognition and reporting

Follow Heartland Energy on social media (Facebook or Twitter) throughout October for help creating a safe and secure digital world. Look for the tag #BeCyberSmart or visit our pages directly. You can also follow American Public Power Association on Twitter, which has also signed on as a 2022 Champion.

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Founded in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the world’s foremost initiative aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort between government and private industry committed to the educating others on online safety. For more information, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/ 

2022 Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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