Protecting What Matters Most
PrintNorthern Lights Electric Cooperative Cybersecurity Tools Protect Power Infrastructure & Members
As a member-owned electric utility, Northern Lights Electric Cooperative exists to serve you, our members, and neighbors. We understand that in today’s connected world, security is about more than just keeping the lights on. It also means protecting the digital systems, personal information, and operational technology that power our cooperative behind the scenes.
That is why cybersecurity is 1 of our organizational priorities. At the direction of your board of directors, we have adopted a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguarding our systems, infrastructure, and member data. These efforts are designed to ensure the reliability of our electric service, the integrity of our operations, and the privacy and protection of the information you entrust to us.
Built on Strong Foundations
Our cybersecurity program is built on national best practices and compliance frameworks tailored to the unique needs of rural electric cooperatives. We maintain active partnerships with regional utilities, statewide associations, and trusted industry peers. These relationships help us stay informed about the latest cyber threats and tools and take part in collaborative threat detection and response networks.
Key elements of our cybersecurity strategy include:
- 24 hours, 7 days a week, threat monitoring and incident response: Our systems are continuously monitored for suspicious activity. If a potential threat is identified, our IT and cybersecurity personnel are ready to respond quickly to contain, mitigate, and investigate the issue.
- Routine security audits and penetration testing: We conduct regular evaluations of our systems through third-party audits and simulated cyberattacks to identify and correct vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Ongoing staff training: Every employee, from the front desk to lineworkers, plays a role in keeping our cooperative secure. Through regular training, we ensure our team is well-equipped to recognize phishing attempts, follow secure data handling protocols, and report concerns promptly.
- Infrastructure protection and redundancy: Our operational technology, including systems that monitor and control the electric grid, is segmented and protected by multiple layers of defense. We also maintain backup systems and disaster recovery plans to ensure resilience in the event of a cyber incident.
- Board oversight and strategic planning: Cybersecurity is an ongoing commitment. Our board of directors reviews cybersecurity policies regularly and works with management to plan for future needs, funding, and technology upgrades.
What It Means for You
These behind-the-scenes efforts may not always be visible, but they are critical to the continued reliability of your electric service and the privacy of your personal data. Our members count on us not only to deliver safe and affordable electricity, but also to be good stewards of their information.
We also encourage you to play an active role in cybersecurity at home. Using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and being cautious about email links are just a few of the steps everyone can take to protect their digital lives. The safety of our cooperative depends on all of us working together.
As threats continue to evolve, so will our strategies, systems, and training. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue. It is a core part of how we operate and serve our community.
Northern Lights Engineering & Operations Manager Kristin Mettke is an electrical engineer and has worked in the electric utility industry for most of her career.
