By Jim Weeda, Manager of Technical Services, Assisted by ChatGPT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way businesses, utilities, and consumers use technology. While AI offers many benefits, it is also being used by cybercriminals to make attacks more convincing, mroe automated, and more difficult to detect. 

Cybersecurity experts, including the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have all warned that AI is increasingly being used to enhance phishing scams, impersonation attempts, and other forms of social engineering. AI can hlep attackers generate realistic emails, text messages, and even cloned voices that appear to come from trusted individiuals or organizations. 

One of the greatest concerns is that AI allows attackers to create highly personalized messages with fewer spelling or grammatical errors than traditional phishing attempts. In some cases, criminals have used AI-generated voice messages to impersonate government officials, business leaders, and family members in an attempt to obtain sensitive information or money. 

How Wheat Belt Protects Its Systems

Protecting the electric grid, customer information, and business operations remains a top priority for Wheat Belt Public Power District. While cybersecurity is constantly evolving, several well-established practices help reduce risk from both traditional and AI-enhanced attacks. 

These practices include: 

• Security awareness training for employees to help identify phishing, social engineering, and impersonation attempts. 
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection beyond passwords. 
• Timely patching and updating of software and systems to address known vulnerabilities. 
• Network segmentation and layered security controls to limit the potential impact of a cyber incident. 
• Monitoring and assessment of critical systems to identify suspicious activity and emerging threats. 
• Following guidance and best practices from organizations such as CISA, NIST, and the electric utility industry. 

Recent federal guidance has also emphasized the importance of rapidly addressing vulnerabilities because AI-assisted attacks can shorten the time between the discovery of a weakness and its exploitation. 

How Customers Can Protect Themselves

Customers can help protext themselves by remaining cautious when receiving unexpected emails, text messages, or phone calls—even if the message appears to come from someone they know. 

Some recommended practices include: 

• Verify unusual requests through a known phone number or trusted contact method. 
• Be cautious of urgent requests involving money, passwords, or personal information. 
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever available. 
• Avoid clicking links or opening attachments from unknown sources. 
• Remember that a familiar voice or convincing message is no longer proof that a communication is legitimate. 

As AI technology continues to evolve, both defenders and attackers will continue to adopt new tools. By combining technology, employee training, proven cybersecurity practices, and customer awareness, Wheat Belt Public Power District remains committed to protecting its infrastructure, employees, and customers from emerging cyber threats. 

How Wheat Belt Uses AI

While AI presents new cybersecurity challenges, it also offers significant benefits when used responsibly. Wheat Belt uses AI tools to improve efficiency, assist with research, summarize information, and draft communications. In fact, AI technology assisted in drafting this article. Like any business tool, AI-generated content should be reviewed and verified before it is relied upon or shared.