NEW ORLEANS - Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a statewide state of emergency in connection with recent cyberattacks on three school systems. Mayor LaToya Cantrell has issued an alert to all "residents, organizations, and businesses to review their cyber security protocols and to remain vigilant."

Although no attacks have affected New Orleans, it is important to heighten our vigilance wherever possible.

"As a state legislator I was active in understanding cyber security risks and in authoring critical infrastructure planning and mapping legislation for all public buildings, nonpublic schools, proprietary schools, and nonpublic colleges and universities in this state to assist first responders when responding to a disaster or emergency and to protect against constant threats," noted Councilmember Jared C. Brossett. "As a member of the City Council and the Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee I have been a leader in assuring that our power infrastructure provider, Entergy New Orleans, is applying appropriate cyber protections," said Brossett.

The Council has on-going procedures and communications in place with Entergy New Orleans (ENO) to assure that it is implementing and monitoring all federal physical and cyber security protections as promulgated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. (NERC). 

Fortunately, the recent cyberattacks have not been directed at or affected our power structure in the City. However, in keeping with our heightened state of vigilance, I intend to request an update from ENO on its state of compliance and preparedness with respect to physical and cyberattacks. These attacks are a reminder that we must protect, maintain, and continually invest in our physical and information infrastructure.

Contact:

Domonique Dickerson
Chief of Staff
Councilmember Jared C. Brossett, Chair of Budget/Audit/BoR Committee
504-658-1040
dcdickerson@nola.gov