{"id":193167,"date":"2026-03-05T14:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T19:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/05\/public-utility-commission-encourages-utilities-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-defenses\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T15:50:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T20:50:17","slug":"public-utility-commission-encourages-utilities-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-defenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/05\/public-utility-commission-encourages-utilities-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-defenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Utility Commission encourages utilities to strengthen cybersecurity defenses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Public Utility Commission encourages utilities to strengthen cybersecurity defenses<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.timesleader.com\/news\/1734514\/public-utility-commission-encourages-utilities-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-defenses<\/a><\/p>\n

Publish Date: 2026-03-05 14:20:00<\/a><\/p>\n

Source Domain: www.timesleader.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Author: <\/a><\/p>\n

Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
\n\t\t\t\tWILKES-BARRE \u2014 Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Steve DeFrank on Thursday said cybersecurity is a constant priority for the Commission and the utilities it regulates.
\nDeFrank said the PUC has issued a cybersecurity advisory to all regulated utilities and licensed electric and natural gas suppliers across the Commonwealth, encouraging heightened vigilance and stronger cyber defenses in response to increasing global tensions and concerns about potential cyber activity targeting critical infrastructure.
\n\u201cWhile we have no indication of specific threats to Pennsylvania utilities at this time, global events serve as an important reminder that critical infrastructure must remain vigilant,\u201d DeFrank said. \u201cBy sharing timely information and reinforcing strong cybersecurity practices, the Commission is working proactively with utilities across Pennsylvania to help safeguard the systems that power our homes, businesses, and communities.\u201d
\nThe advisory \u2014 distributed to jurisdictional utilities earlier this week \u2014 highlights a series of recommended cybersecurity practices intended to help utilities protect essential services such as electricity, natural gas, water, telecommunications, and other systems that Pennsylvanians rely on every day.
\nThe Commission noted that evolving geopolitical developments \u2014 including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the broader potential for retaliatory cyber activity against U.S. infrastructure \u2014 underscore the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity protections across all sectors of critical infrastructure.
\nThe advisory was developed and distributed by the PUC\u2019s Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight as part of the Commission\u2019s ongoing efforts to monitor emerging threats and share information with the utility community.
\nBest practices
\nAmong the key areas highlighted in the advisory are several widely recognized cybersecurity best practices designed to reduce the risk of cyber intrusion or disruption, including:
\n\u2022 Strengthening network protections by isolating sensitive operational systems from the public internet whenever possible.
\n\u2022 Improving access security, including the use of strong passwords and phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication for remote access and administrative systems.
\n\u2022 Addressing known software vulnerabilities by ensuring that critical systems, firewalls, and remote management tools are updated and properly secured.
\n\u2022 Enhancing monitoring and incident response planning, including reviewing business continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure utilities can quickly detect and respond to unusual network activity.
\nThe Commission also encouraged utilities to remain alert for sophisticated cyber techniques that rely on legitimate system tools to avoid detection \u2014 sometimes referred to as \u201cliving off the land\u201d activity \u2014 and to closely monitor their systems for unusual behavior that could signal unauthorized access.
\nKey resources
\nAs part of the advisory, the PUC recommended that utilities review guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), including the agency\u2019s \u201cShields Up\u201d initiative and other cybersecurity resources designed to help critical infrastructure operators strengthen their defensive posture.
\nUtilities were also reminded of the importance of promptly reporting cyber incidents to appropriate authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center, and the PUC in cases where incidents fall within the Commission\u2019s cyber reporting regulations.
\n\u201cProtecting the systems that deliver essential utility services is critical to public safety and economic stability,\u201d DeFrank added. \u201cThe Commission will continue working closely with utilities, law enforcement, and national partners to ensure that Pennsylvania remains prepared to meet the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow.\u201d
\nCybersecurity has been a longstanding focus of the commission\u2019s oversight and collaboration with utilities. The PUC regularly works with federal partners, industry organizations, and other state regulators to share threat information and strengthen protections for critical infrastructure systems across the country.
\nBecause cyber threats continue to evolve rapidly, the Commission encourages utilities of all sizes to regularly review their cybersecurity practices and remain engaged with state and federal partners on emerging risks.
\nFor information about cybersecurity resources available to critical infrastructure operators, visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at www.cisa.gov.
\n\t\t\t\tReach Bill O\u2019Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.<\/p>\n

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