Cyber and data security have been in the news a lot lately. Stories of cyber hacks and data breaches have become commonplace and are a concern for every business, organization and utility.
The PUD has been a national leader in cybersecurity for a decade. Since 2016, we’ve partnered with the Washington National Guard’s cyber unit to strengthen our cyber-resiliency and data protection. Our information technology staff is on the front lines every day, protecting the grid and customers’ private data.
While the PUD has professionals who protect and secure data, customers can be more susceptible to hacks and breaches. Distracted and busy with life, customers can be tricked by simple scams or phishing attempts that prey on their uncertainty and fears.
PUD customers have increasingly been targeted by scammers, who will spoof the PUD’s customer service phone number or trick caller IDs to make it seem like the PUD is calling. They’ll then use scare tactics to attempt to get PUD customers to pay them money.
The PUD is constantly battling scammers by alerting customers to possible scams. Here are some tips on how to avoid scams:
The PUD will never call to ask for credit card information or ask customers to purchase a credit/debit card for payment. If you’re unsure if it’s the PUD calling, ask for the caller’s name, hang up, and then call the PUD at 425-783-1000.
Be suspicious of aggressive callers threatening to disconnect power in a few hours or minutes. The PUD will never threaten to disconnect power over the phone.
Never give out your bank account number or credit card to a caller who promises a refund to your bill. The PUD will never ask for account or banking information over the phone.
Some scammers may show up in person. PUD employees or contractors always carry a PUD identification and will never ask to collect payments at customer properties. When in doubt, ask the individual to show you his or her PUD identification.
Many PUD customers interact with us through our new customer portal, MySnoPUD. Here are some great cybersecurity tips from Kevin Johnston, the PUD’s ITS security architect, to help keep your data secure:
Make your passwords long and strong. Use complex passwords with a combination of numbers, symbols and letters. Use unique passwords for different accounts. Change your passwords regularly, especially if you believe they have been compromised.
Keep a clean machine. Update the security software, operating system and web browser on all of your internet-connected devices. Keeping your security software up to date will prevent attackers from taking advantage of known vulnerabilities.
When in doubt, throw it out. Links in email and online posts are often the way cyber criminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious — even if you know the source — delete it.
For more information on scams and cyber defense, visit snopud.com/scams.
Operating since 1949, Snohomish County PUD is a customer-owned, not-for-profit electric and water utility that serves more than 360,000 customers in Snohomish County and Camano Island. For more information on conservation programs, visit www.snopud.com.
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