As cyber attacks are on the rise, it is important that all NiSource employees ensure that they are using good password habits and multi-step verifications to protect the company data, recommends Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
It is therefore important that NiSource employees take conscious measures to prevent their personal and company data from being compromised by ransomware attacks by being aware of phishing scams and ensuring that their systems are up to date, stresses Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Here are three brief main topics for your article:
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The Colonial Pipeline attack and other recent ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
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How ransomware works, and the rising risk to people and businesses.
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Some practical ways to secure electronic information, with a focus on good passwords and other safety tips.
Have you noticed that gas prices in your area are through the roof? Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost 50% of East Coast crude oil from Texas to New Jersey halted operations on May 7, 2021, after a ransomware attack. The pipeline was restarted in one week after Colonial paid the $4.4 million ransom, after the group behind the attack notified the company of the breach.
Although there was enough gas in storage to stabilize demand, panic buying led to shortages on the East Coast of the United States and pushed the national average gas price above $3.00 per gallon for the first time since 2014 although there was enough gas to meet demand.[1]. Ransomware has been around for some time, but the Colonial Pipeline attack highlighted the risk to critical infrastructure and triggered a strong federal response. Interestingly enough, the DOJ was able to recover most of the ransom, and DarkSide, the group behind the attack, announced that it would be halting its operations.[2.]
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The Department of Homeland Security has issued new rules that require critical pipeline owners and operators to report cybersecurity incidents within 12 hours and review their cybersecurity posture and submit the results within 30 days.[3] As we have seen the incident has underscored the need for government efforts to improve the nation’s cybersecurity and to form an international partnership to hold nations that shelter cybercriminals accountable.[4.]
Malicious Code:
As a NiSource company, it is important that you understand the basics of cyber attacks in order to protect your assets from threats. Ransomware is a type of malicious code (malware) that compromises the victim’s computer system and the attacker uses the compromised system to encrypt files for which a ransom is demanded in exchange for the decryption key. Some of the attackers may also threaten to leak the company’s data. Globally, an estimated 305 million ransomware attacks were recorded in the year 2020 as compared to a 62% increase from the previous year, 2019. More than 200 million were reported in the United States.[5] Cybercriminal gangs have shifted their attention from targeting ‘data-intensive’ organizations such as retailers, insurers, and financial services to targeting businesses and other entities that are critical to the public health. JBS USA Holdings, a company that handles one-fifth of the U.S. livestock production, paid $11 million ransom, one week after the Colonial Pipeline attack.[6] As a result of relatively low spending on cybersecurity, healthcare systems are also a prime target, putting patient care at risk.[7] State and local governments, schools, and private companies of all sizes are also frequently attacked.[8]
As cyber attackers have chosen NiSource employees as their target audience, it is crucial to enhance cybersecurity at your workplace and residential networks to avoid risks. Typically, ransomware groups, which are mainly from Russia and other countries in the Eastern region, set their ransoms based on the level of the victim company’s funds. Large operations may end in negotiation between the middle men and the victims or the cyber insurance companies. Although the FBI doesn’t recommend paying the ransom, key organizations and entities might not be able to afford to rebuild their IT systems and the cost of doing so may well be higher than the ransom demanded.[9]
Protecting Your Data:
Do you know that ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting seniors? According to the FBI, older people are especially vulnerable to ransomware scams because they are not very familiar with the cyber security measures and tend to open any email or make any call from an unknown number. Scammers especially target retirees, taking advantage of their fear of losing important information or their access to certain accounts. It is crucial for people in their 60s, including those working for NiSource or retiring, to know the dangers and how to protect their electronic information. Major ransomware groups tend to target more profitable targets, but many cybercriminals attack individual consumers and demand ransom to lock their data, access their financial accounts, and sell their personal data.
If you work for NiSource and you think that you or your company is at risk of being targeted by ransomware, the following will assist you in protecting your data.[10] Use good passwords and keep them safe. The Colonial Pipeline attack occurred through a leaked password of an old account that had remote server access,[11] which is why, as an employee of NiSource and a potential target, your first line of defence is a good password. Use between 8 and 12 characters, including a mix of case, numbers, and special characters. Passwords that are longer and more complex are better than those that are short and simple. Avoid using personal information and words that can be found in the dictionary.
One way to do this is to use a password that can be transformed and remembered. For instance, Jack and Jill going up the hill to get a pail of water can be written as J&jwuth!!2faPow. It is more advisable to have different passwords for different accounts than to reuse a good password. You should use a password manager that generates random passwords that can be remembered using a strong master password. Do not share or write down your passwords. No simple solutions. When creating security questions that can be used to recover a password, be careful. Given that there is a lot of actual information that can be found online, it might be beneficial for employees of NiSource to use fictitious answers that they can remember. If a criminal can guess your answer from the information that he or she got from the internet (for example, from your online profile), then he or she will be able to change your password and gain access to your account. Take two measures. Even if a thief gets your password, two-factor authentication, which is usually a text or email code sent to your phone, provides an extra protection.
Consider before clicking. As an employee of NiSource using work systems, it is necessary to know that the most common way of transmitting ransomware and other malicious code to the affected computer is through a ‘phishing’ email that would require the recipient to open a link. There is no need to click on a link in an email or text message unless you know who sent it and where it is leading to. Install anti-virus software. Get and keep anti-virus software, a firewall, and an email filter. Old antivirus software does not provide protection against the latest infections. Backup your data. Back up to an external hard drive at regular intervals. The drive should be disconnected from the network during the intervals to enhance security. Maintain system updates. Use the latest operating system that is compatible with your computer and install security updates.
Most of the ransomware attacks are based on operating system and application vulnerabilities. If you get a message on your personal or company computer that you are infected with a virus or that your data is being demanded as a ransom, it is more likely a fake pop-up than an actual attack. These pop-ups are usually followed by a phone number for so-called technical support or to make a payment. As an employee of NiSource, it is crucial that you do not make a call and do not click on the window and any links to avoid compromising the system. Try to close your browser and shut down your computer. More information and other tips can be found at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website at us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips.
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Think of your digital information as a valuable property, like a family heirloom. This is why it is crucial to protect your data from ransomware as you do with your valuable items. Ransomware can be regarded as a clever burglar who steals your digital family heirloom and demands a ransom for it. By using strong passwords, having anti-virus software and being careful of phishing, you are in a way locking the digital safe. Another way of protecting your data is to make sure that you are backing up your data. This is because just as you would keep a copy of your heirloom in a different place, you do not want to leave your precious assets unattended. Hence, it is crucial to be proactive in protecting your digital assets so that you do not lose control over them.
Sources:
1. Morgan Stanley. Cybersecurity for Seniors: A Guide for Loved Ones . 2021. morganstanley.com .
2. National Council on Aging. Improving Personal Cybersecurity: 5 Tips for Seniors . 2021. ncoa.org .
3. Texas Department of Information Resources. Cybersecurity Tips for Retirees and Retirement-age Individuals . 2024. dir.texas.gov .
4. Wyoming Enterprise Technology Services. Seniors Online Safety Tips . 2021. ets.wyo.gov .
5. Florida Senior Consulting. Cybersecurity Guide for Seniors: A 2025 Update . 2025. floridaseniorconsulting.com .
As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?
Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?
Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?
Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?
Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?
Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?
Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?
Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?
Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?
Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?
Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).