Cybersecurity may not be something we talk about every day. But we know that each person is the best defense for keeping their own devices and information protected.
As a local utility providing natural gas, electricity, and internet service to thousands of customers, WG+E and Whip City Fiber take cybersecurity very seriously. We do our part to keep our service networks and customer information safe and protected and encourage you to do the same. We warn customers to be careful about utility payment scams which threaten to disconnect your service. If you are ever in doubt about a call or communication about your service, please hang up and call us directly at 413-572-0100.
Given recent tensions and current events, WG+E encourages customers to review the following safety tips. Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity
- Limit the personal information you share online. Change privacy settings and do not use location features.
- Keep software applications and operating systems up to date.
- Create strong passwords by using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Use a password manager and two methods of verification.
- Watch for suspicious activity that asks you to do something right away, offers something that sounds too good to be true or needs your personal information. Think before you click. When in doubt, do NOT click.
- Protect your home and/or business using a secure Internet connection and Wi-Fi network and change passwords regularly.
- Don’t share PINs or passwords. Use devices that use biometric scans when possible (e.g., fingerprint scanner or facial recognition).
- Check your account statements and credit reports regularly.
- Be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number, or credit card number. Only share personal information on secure sites that begin with https://. Do not use sites with invalid certificates. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that creates a more secure connection.
- Use antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and firewalls to block threats.
- Back up your files regularly in an encrypted file or encrypted file storage device.
- Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites.
- Remember that the government will not call, text, or contact you via social media about owing money or receiving economic impact payments.
- Keep in mind that scammers may try to take advantage of financial fears by calling with bill payment threats, work-from-home-opportunities, debt consolidation offers, and student loan repayment plans.