Upset Crypto Miners Spark Need for Security at Power Company in Washington State

Upset Crypto Miners Spark Need for Security at Power Company in Washington State

Utility companies in Washington State are boosting security after placing a moratorium on cryptocurrency miners.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 08, 2018

Several public utility companies are feeling the urgency to boost security measures following the decision to place a moratorium on mining activities in Washington state due to heavy loads. One entity, the Chelan County Public Utility District (CCPUD), reported that its employees on the phones and in the field have been physically threatened by the angry miners.

CCPUD launched a moratorium against cryptocurrency mining after it determined that the electric grid was being overwhelmed by the activity. The following month, county commissioners authorized the operator to go after miners that continued to infringe on the system. The CCPUD was given permission to immediately disconnect any account that is found to be in violation of the moratorium and fined up to $11,400.

The suppression of mining operations didn't go over well with the miners. According to a statement by CCPUD: "Employees in the field and those in the office who are handling these issues related to high-density load service have encountered an increasing number of upset customers and potential customers. In some cases, people can get agitated and augmentative. Our goal always is to provide excellent customer service, as well as to keep customers, the public and employees safe, especially when emotions may be running high."

The company has been forced to introduce a number of new security measures and procedures, including a secure lobby for new services, ballistic panels and cameras in its headquarters.

All new security measures include:

  • Designing a small, secure lobby at the downtown service building where people go to request and discuss new services. Construction is set to start soon on the estimated $20,000 project, which will be paid out of the current facilities budget.
  • Adding ballistic panels and more cameras to the headquarters lobby.
  • Providing more training on when to call PUD security staff for help.
  • Increasing visibility of uniformed security staff. Security staff are training to pay attention to negative body language to identify people who are agitated.
  • Assessing security at the Leavenworth and Chelan offices to determine what else may be needed. A trip to those offices is planned next week.
  • Creating the process for working with local law enforcement when power theft from unauthorized bitcoin operations is suspected.

While the CCPUD reports that their measures aren't in response to a direct threat, the company recognizes it would be foolish to wait until after something happens before adding measures of precaution.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.