October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and at Crow Wing Power, that's more than a calendar note. It's a reminder of work happening year-round to protect the systems that keep your lights on.
Behind every flipped switch is a network of technology: our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which monitors and controls the grid in real time, along with our communications infrastructure and our billing and information systems, where member data is stored. As these systems become more connected, they also become bigger targets for cyber threats. That's why Crow Wing Power made securing our digital infrastructure a top priority, partnering with Xtona, a local security company considered an expert in the field, to strengthen our defenses and better protect our systems, servers, and data. This work is also imperative in our strategic plan: Crow Wing Power is committed to being a technology leader for our members, and that starts with security.
We're not alone in this. Cooperatives nationwide are taking the same steps. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has again partnered with the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cybersecurity Alliance, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to raise awareness and equip co-op employees with cybersecurity skills. NRECA's Threat Analysis Center helps co-ops share intelligence in real time, since a threat to one is a concern for all, and Crow Wing Power plans to join in 2027.
"This past year, our focus has shifted to prioritizing technology and cybersecurity, and it's meant a lot more work," said Lloyd Warren, IT Manager. "But it's necessary. Leadership has been supportive, and the resources we now have make our co-op stronger and our members safer."
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, at the co-op and at home. Together, we're keeping the grid secure.
