This article presents excerpts from a brochure describing MPUA’s cybersecurity program for members. Download the full brochure here. MPUA is a not-for-profit service organization representing municipally-owned utilities in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas.
The utility industry has become increasingly aware of cybersecurity threats. In response, MPUA/MJMEUC launched a Cybersecurity Initiative to offer monitoring services that protect our utilities and show regulators, legislators, and the financial world that the group is doing its due diligence about these risks.
MPUA’s selected service provider is N-Dimension Solutions, a market leading Managed Security Service Provider with innovative solutions to protect utility networks from cyber threats.
N-Dimension was selected because of their special focus on utility systems and experience with municipal utilities and cooperatives. N-Dimension has the exclusive approval of Hometown Connections and the NRECA.
N-Dimension’s monitoring service, N-Sentinel Monitoring, provides each city regular reports on breaches, hacking attempts, infections introduced internally, and other problems. The objective is to allow each city to evaluate its protections and vulnerabilities to support considerations of protective adequacy.
We were unaware of some of the cybersecurity risks N-Sentinel Monitoring identified and guided us in fixing. We appreciate the initiative taken by MPUA in helping us reduce risk—it’s a real advantage for us.
—Jason Peterson, Director of IT and Broadband Services, Carthage Water & Electric PlantPlant
RESULTS
- MPUA has deployed services to 47 utilities in our membership.
- Upon deployment of the program, Priority 1 alerts among participating utilities declined.
- About 6 percent of the alerts are of a critical nature and require timely attention.
- The program helps identify and prioritize cyber areas of concern.
- The program allows utilities to minimize alerts through work efficiency: Work smarter – not harder.
For complete details, download the MPUA Cybersecurity Initiative brochure.
For More Information
To learn more about the MPUA Cybersecurity Initiative, contact:
Connie (Kacprowicz) Ford
Director of Member Services
Missouri Public Utility Alliance
573-777-8000 Direct
573-445-3279 Office
cford@mpua.org
For information on the full range of cybersecurity services from N-Dimension Solutions, contact:
Vice President of Sales & Marketing