English (United States)
As the holiday season settles in across Nebraska, many of us find comfort in familiar traditions. Going on long drives to view Christmas lights, hot chocolate in hand. Warm gatherings with friends and loved ones. For me, finding that sense of connection is more than symbolic. As a growing ham radio enthusiast, I appreciate the importance of a strong, clear signal. Whether it’s reaching out to fellow operators across the globe or ensuring our electric grid stays resilient, communication and reliability are everything.
At NPPD, we take that responsibility seriously. Just as ham radio operators prepare for interference or unexpected outages, our teams work year-round to protect the electric grid from threats, especially those that come through cyberspace. In today’s world, cybersecurity is not only a technical concern, but a cornerstone of how we keep your power reliable, your data safe, and your trust strong. The fact of the matter is, the electric energy sector is arguably one of the most critical industries within our society. As such, prevention, resilience, responsiveness and restoration ability during a cybersecurity event are paramount to serving customers best.
This November, more than 200 NPPD teammates participated in GridEx VIII, a nationwide exercise simulating a coordinated attack on the electric grid. This event is the largest grid security exercise in North America. It brings together utilities, government agencies, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure partners to test our response to cyber and physical threats.
Seventeen teams across NPPD, from Cyber Security and System Operations to Customer Service and Human Resources, worked together to simulate real-world responses to physical drone attacks, social engineering attempts, and substation intrusions. The goal? To test our plans, identify gaps, and strengthen our ability to respond quickly and effectively. As Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” These drills help us make sure our plans hold up when it counts.
And, we’re testing our security standards year-round. This past summer, our Cyber Security team joined forces with the National Guard and other partners for Cyber Tatanka, a two-week hands-on training event. Our teammates sharpened their skills and built relationships that will help us better respond to potential future threats. These exercises aren’t just drills; they’re investments in your own safety and peace of mind.
We want to help you stay safe too, especially during the holidays when cyber scams spike. With the rush of shopping and travel, it’s easy to miss warning signs. Scammers, now aided by artificial intelligence, are faster, smarter and increasingly more personal in their attacks.
Common holiday scams to watch for:
Simple ways to protect yourself:
Concerned your info was exposed? Check at haveibeenpwned.com. If affected, or to stay ahead:
Cybersecurity is a key part of how NPPD serves and protects its customers. Just like tuning a ham radio to cut through the static, we’re constantly adjusting, improving and listening to ensure our signal stays strong. Thank you for trusting us to power your homes and your holidays.
From all of us at NPPD, we wish you a safe, warm and joyful holiday season.
