As the weather changes and we settle into cooler-weather routines, it’s a good time to take stock around the house—checking heating systems and preparing for the months ahead. It’s also a good time to refresh your cybersecurity habits. Protecting your personal information deserves attention all year long.
At Ontonagon REA, cybersecurity is an important part of providing safe, reliable electric service. While much of our focus is on protecting the systems that operate the electric grid, we also work to protect the systems and information that help us serve you, including online accounts, payment systems, member portals, and outage communications.
Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, too. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easier for cybercriminals to create convincing emails, text messages, websites, and even voice messages that look and sound legitimate. The FBI has warned that generative AI can make fraudulent schemes more believable by eliminating many of the errors that once helped us spot a scam.
That matters when it comes to utility scams. A scammer may impersonate Ontonagon REA and claim your account is past due, your service is about to be disconnected, or you need to make an immediate payment. The message may include our logo, use professional-looking language, or direct you to a website that appears legitimate. With AI making scams more convincing, simply looking for spelling mistakes or obvious errors may no longer be enough.
So, what should you do if you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from Ontonagon REA? If a message creates a sense of urgency or threatens immediate disconnection, pause and verify it. Don’t click links or use phone numbers provided in the message. Instead, contact us directly using a trusted method: Call 906-884-4151 or visit ontonagon.coop.
You can also protect your online accounts before a scam occurs. Start with your passwords. Choose a long, unique passphrase that is difficult to guess, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
If your online accounts offer multifactor authentication (MFA), consider enabling it. MFA adds another layer of protection by requiring an additional way to verify your identity, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app.
Ontonagon REA is committed to protecting the systems that help us deliver your electricity and serve our members. You can help protect yourself by securing your accounts, slowing down when something seems urgent, and contacting us directly whenever you’re unsure.
