Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is proud to announce its progress in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) Co-op Cyber Goals Program. In January 2024, 292 co-ops, including BEC, had registered to participate in the program. One of only 58 Cooperatives nationwide to complete this first phase, BEC is taking active steps to enhance Cybersecurity to protect our members data and enhance cybersecurity measures.
The Co-op Cyber Goals Program, launched by NRECA in January 2023, aims to help cooperatives improve their cybersecurity posture. The first phase of the program consisted of 10 basic, actionable goals for NRECA members to complete individually, at their own pace. Participation in this voluntary program underscores to both industry and government that cooperatives nationwide are taking proactive steps in cybersecurity.
Dylan Sauce, Lead Systems Security Engineer at BEC, emphasizes the collaborative effort involved in cybersecurity enhancement. "It's truly a team effort," says Sauce. "Every member of our team plays a crucial role in protecting our systems and keeping our membership in mind every step of the way."
Building on the success of the initial phase, NRECA will release the next set of goals, known as "Level 2," at the June 2024 Cyber Tech conference. These additional goals will offer co-ops further opportunities to advance their cybersecurity postures.
Johnny Olivas, BEC's Director of Information Technology, emphasized the cooperative's commitment to cybersecurity. "We prioritize the security of our systems and the privacy of our members," said Olivas. "Completing level one of the Co-op Cyber Goals Program is a significant milestone for BEC. We are now focused on advancing to level two and beyond."
BEC will also be recognized at the NRECA’s 2024 Co-op Cyber Tech Conference for completing level one of the Co-op Cyber Goals Program, highlighting our commitment to cybersecurity excellence. BEC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with NRECA and fellow cooperatives to enhance cybersecurity across the industry.