October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to recognize the critical role cybersecurity plays in keeping communities safe and connected. Across North Carolina, electric cooperatives are working together to protect important data and ensure reliable power for more than 2.8 million members.

Driven by a shared commitment to security, IT professionals and operations staff across North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are implementing strategies that protect networks and data from emerging threats. Their ongoing efforts help ensure cooperative systems remain resilient and ready to meet members’ needs.

As technology and innovation become woven into nearly every aspect of the electric grid, Brian Burnett, director of cybersecurity for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, said maintaining strong cybersecurity practices has never been more essential.

“Cybersecurity impacts everything,” said Burnett. “Having an understanding of how to protect yourself and others when handling personal information can make all the difference in minimizing risk and making safe choices.”

Burnett has focused on building relationships and supporting co-ops statewide as they enhance cybersecurity practices and preparedness. “The world of cybersecurity is growing, and we’ve got a responsibility to keep learning, adapting and strengthening our defenses,” said Burnett.

Collectively, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are being recognized nationally for their ongoing work to strengthen cybersecurity practices. Their progress is reflected in NRECA’s Co-op Cyber Goals Program, a national initiative launched in 2023 to help electric cooperatives assess and enhance their cybersecurity readiness. Thirteen North Carolina co-ops have achieved Level 1 by meeting the first 10 goals, and three others have advanced to Level 2 after completing 10 more.

Shared goal

Electric cooperatives in North Carolina have established a collaborative network, the North Carolina Electric Cooperative Cybersecurity Consortium, which fosters shared education to strengthen cybersecurity efforts together. They meet regularly to share insights, review response plans and support one another with technical expertise when needed.

Eric Braxton serves as director of cybersecurity and operational technologies at Central Electric and is an active member of the cybersecurity consortium. He emphasized the strong partnership and proactive nature of co-ops across the state.

“This is what being part of the cooperative model is all about — working together to help each other, and more importantly, to help members,” said Braxton. “We’ve built a strong cybersecurity culture across all the co-ops, and everyone is aware of the role they play in protecting information and data.”