Keeping Customer Data Properly Secured

[Audrey McNeil <audrey () riskbasedsecurity com>]

http://www.energydigital.com/utilities/3808/Keeping-Customer-Data-Properly-Secured


Online security is a growing concern for businesses all across the country
and the utilities industry is no exception.

Utility providers store massive amounts of customer data, which is why it's
increasingly important to protect that information from security breaches
and identity thieves.

Here are just a few measures the utility industry is taking to protect
customer data.

Software Updates and Virus Scans

The first line of defense in terms of online security is vigilance. Utility
providers in the United States are practicing vigilance and protecting
their customers' data by performing software updates on a regular basis.

These automated updates take place on a weekly or monthly basis and keep
all devices updated with the latest security software.

Likewise, utilities companies also perform routine virus scans on all
devices within the network. This includes any device introduced to the
system such as flash drives or mobile devices. Virus scans help utility
providers find any malware or other malicious software in the system that
could compromise customer data.

Security Audits

Many utility providers in the United States are putting online safety
measures first by having security audits performed on their network.
Security audits ensure that customer data stays safe, secure and private.

As this article looks at, considering that privacy has been a concern in
the United States since the very beginning, security audits give utility
companies— and their customers— peace of mind.

These audits help utility providers prevent potential security threats by
making sure systems and devices are as up-to-date as possible.

Encryption

Encryption is one of the most important aspects of data security and it all
starts with passwords. When information is encrypted, the data is converted
into a text that's impossible for unauthorized users to decipher. Encrypted
data requires the use of a password to access and every major utility
provider in the country password protects their customers' data.

Passwords are also required on the customer's end in order to access online
documents or to make online utilities payments through a private account.

Employee Security Protocol

Utility companies employ hundreds of workers, most of whom have access to
the network. This presents a security threat, especially if employees don't
practice the right safety protocol when it comes to logging into their
employee accounts on workplace and personal computers.

Because of the threats involved, utility suppliers are implementing
security protocol so employees don't accidently cause a security breach.
Security protocols usually inform employees on everything from password
usage to accessing the network via personal mobile devices to proper
procedures for logging out of the network.

Password Strength

Customer data is only as strong as the passwords that protect it, which is
why utility providers are encouraging customers and staff to create the
strongest passwords possible. Most utility companies use strength
indicators during the password creation process to give users a better
understanding of their password strength.

In addition, utilities companies are also requiring employees to change
their passwords on a regular basis as well as encouraging customers not to
use the same password for multiple accounts. When it comes to online
security, utilities providers are doing all they can to protect their
customers' data.

_______________________________________________
Dataloss Mailing List (dataloss () datalossdb org)
Archived at http://seclists.org/dataloss/
Unsubscribe at http://lists.osvdb.org/mailman/listinfo/dataloss
For inquiries regarding use or licensing of data, e-mail
        sales () riskbasedsecurity com 

Supporters:

Risk Based Security (http://www.riskbasedsecurity.com/)
YourCISO is an affordable SaaS solution that provides a comprehensive information security program that ensures focus 
on the right security.  If you need security help or want to provide real risk reduction for your clients contact us!